Ange Postecoglou linked with sensational Premier League comeback as relegation-threatened club weighs up move amid Brendan Rodgers rivalry
Former Nottingham Forest Manager, Ange Postecoglou is rumored to be a surprising contender for the managerial vacancy at struggling Premier League side Leeds United.
However, he will likely face competition from Brendan Rodgers for the role. The Yorkshire club are currently battling relegation, having failed to secure a victory in their last four games.
This concerning run of form has created a crisis situation, potentially jeopardizing the position of current manager Daniel Farke, despite his recent success in guiding the team to promotion with a remarkable points total.
After suffering seven losses out of twelve matches, the Whites find themselves in 18th position in the league standings.
Reports from talkSPORT suggest that the leaders at Elland Road are offering no guarantees about Farke’s long-term position.
His past performance in the top division, particularly during his time managing Norwich City, has resulted in him having the worst average points gained per match of any manager who has overseen more than fifty games in the league (0.61).
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Facing formidable opponents like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in their upcoming games, Leeds seems to be approaching a critical moment.
Postecoglou, once lauded as the influential and inspiring figure who revitalized Celtic, is surprisingly being considered for the Leeds managerial role.
While his short and challenging tenure at Nottingham Forest, which concluded after just 39 days (a record for brevity), might have impacted his reputation in the Premier League, he still has supporters among the Leeds board.
Individuals at Elland Road are reportedly drawn to his aggressive and proactive approach to the game, feeling that it aligns well with the club’s established style.
Following his surprising departure from Celtic last month, a move that reportedly shocked many fans and marked his second exit from Parkhead, Rodgers is said to be keen on making a comeback to the Premier League.
His exit prompted a strong reaction from Celtic’s chairman, Dermot Desmond, who publicly criticized Rodgers, alleging his actions had been “disruptive, deceptive, and motivated by personal gain.”
Desmond stated on Celtic’s website: “Brendan Rodgers has resigned from his position as manager of Celtic Football Club.
While acknowledging his contributions throughout his two tenures, where he played a part in securing achievements that contribute to the club’s legacy, I must also convey my profound dissatisfaction with the sequence of events that have transpired over the last few months.”
Two years ago, when we rehired Brendan at Celtic, it was based on unwavering confidence and faith in his capacity to guide the team into a period of continued triumph. Sadly, his behavior and interactions lately haven’t mirrored that initial confidence.
In June, both Michael Nicholson and I clearly indicated to Brendan our eagerness to present him with a contract renewal, intending to reinforce the club’s complete support and dedication to him for the future.
He stated he needed time to consider the proposal and respond later. However, in later media appearances, Brendan suggested the club hadn’t shown any intention of offering him a new contract, which was simply inaccurate.
Regardless of the discord, Rodgers’ standing as a capable manager remains largely undamaged.
His tenure at Leicester saw him achieve an FA Cup victory and multiple qualifications for European competition before the team’s significant decline in form during 2023.
What are the chances of Postecoglou taking on the role?
Sources suggest Postecoglou has privately communicated he won’t be rushing back into management anytime soon, dismissing speculation linking him with positions like the recently available one at Celtic.
Following a demanding and emotionally taxing period, it is understood he is intentionally taking a step back from the intensity of leading a football team, choosing instead to focus on rest, recuperation, and careful consideration of his future career direction.
Despite remaining a highly admired and respected figure amongst Celtic fans, who fondly remember his successful two-year tenure marked by five trophy wins and a transformation of the team’s playing style, Postecoglou seems determined to prioritize a period of inactivity over immediately immersing himself in another challenging, high-stakes role.
This stance makes a potential move to Leeds significantly less certain than some might believe, as he seems focused on avoiding pressure for the time being.
Daniel Farke was brought to Elland Road with a very specific mission: to guide Leeds United back to the Premier League, create a stable and consistent team, and establish a lasting footballing philosophy.
For a considerable period, he achieved these goals. However, the challenges of the Premier League have highlighted his relative inflexibility in tactics and the shortcomings of a team that is still adjusting to the demands of high-level competition.
Leeds currently appears susceptible during changes in possession, lacking in imaginative play, and suffering from a lack of self-belief.
These problems are made worse by the constant stream of matches. The upcoming three games could be decisive.
Facing Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool presents a formidable challenge for a team struggling to avoid relegation.
If they fail to significantly improve, the Leeds leadership may be forced to make a difficult decision, one that they seem to already be considering.
