Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, is embarking on another Premier League scouting assignment just one week after closely observing Arsenal in European competition. The Australian tactician has assumed a new position as a UEFA technical observer, a role that recently took him to the iconic San Siro stadium to witness Arsenal's impressive 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League.
From North London to Paris: Postecoglou's Observational Duties
This Wednesday, Postecoglou will be stationed at the Parc des Princes in Paris to monitor Newcastle United's crucial encounter against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Both teams enter this decisive fixture level on 13 points in their Champions League group, meaning only the victorious side will secure direct progression to the round of sixteen, while the loser faces the uncertainty of a play-off round.
The UEFA Technical Observer Role Explained
According to UEFA's official definition, the Technical Observer Group conducts in-depth monitoring of UEFA's club competitions. Utilizing statistical analysis and video assistance, these observers produce detailed reports on contemporary coaching developments within European football. These insights are subsequently shared across the football community to provide a dynamic assessment of the current state of the game.
Postecoglou joins an esteemed group of more than twenty football figures selected for this prestigious role during the current season. Notable names alongside him include England manager Gareth Southgate, Portugal's Roberto Martinez, and former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The technical observers' responsibilities extend to selecting the official player of the match for assigned fixtures and contributing to end-of-season awards, including determining the player, young player, team, and goals of the season.
Postecoglou's Analysis of Arsenal's Performance
The Australian's official assessment of the Inter Milan versus Arsenal match has been published on UEFA's official website. In his analysis, Postecoglou offered particular praise for Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who netted twice during the encounter. "Jesus' alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues," Postecoglou wrote in his detailed report.
He further elaborated on the forward's instinctive finishing, noting: "Both [of the Brazilian's] goals were instinctive. The first was from a mis-hit shot that he was able to capitalise on and the second from a rebound off the crossbar. Both are a demonstration of a goalscorer's instincts as, while others are watching, he is anticipating an opportunity to score."
Postecoglou's Recent Managerial Journey
The sixty-year-old tactician experienced a brief return to management earlier this season with Nottingham Forest, overseeing two Europa League fixtures during his short tenure at the City Ground. This followed his departure from Tottenham Hotspur after leading the North London club to Europa League success last term. However, his stint at Forest lasted barely a month, and he has remained without a managerial position since his dismissal in October.
Focus on Newcastle and Eddie Howe
Postecoglou, who previously guided Celtic in Champions League competition, will now turn his analytical eye towards another manager navigating challenging circumstances. Newcastle United's Eddie Howe isn't believed to be facing immediate pressure regarding his position, but Sunday's home defeat to Aston Villa left his side in ninth position in the Premier League, five points adrift of the coveted top four.
In the Champions League's league phase, Newcastle currently occupy seventh position, trailing their upcoming opponents Paris Saint-Germain solely on goal difference. Interestingly, even should they suffer defeat in Paris, their current tally of thirteen points might still prove sufficient to secure seeding for the play-off round. Last season witnessed five clubs level on thirteen points, with two of those teams, including PSG themselves, earning seeding courtesy of superior goal difference.
Postecoglou's new role provides him with a unique vantage point to analyse tactical approaches and player performances across Europe's elite competition, while maintaining his connection to the Premier League landscape through these observational missions.
