Ange Postecoglou has marked the start of his tenure as Al Nassr head coach by visiting the Estadio Nacional in Lisbon, the iconic venue where Celtic's Lisbon Lions became the first British side to win the European Cup in 1967. The 60-year-old Australian, who previously managed Celtic for two seasons, delivering five trophies including a Treble, was appointed by the newly-crowned Saudi Pro League champions after replacing Jorge Jesus.
Postecoglou's Journey Back to Management
Postecoglou had been out of management since being sacked after just 39 days in charge of Nottingham Forest last October. He briefly worked as a pundit for ITV during the World Cup before signing a lucrative two-year deal with Al Nassr, where he will oversee stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix.
Pre-Season Preparations in Portugal
Al Nassr have stepped up their pre-season preparations by heading to Portugal, where they are scheduled to face Benfica B, Merida AD, and Estrela da Amadora. During the training camp, Postecoglou found himself at the scene of Celtic's greatest triumph as the team trained at the Estadio Nacional.
A Place of Pilgrimage
The stadium is forever etched in Celtic folklore as the venue where Jock Stein's Lisbon Lions defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in 1967. It has become a place of pilgrimage for Celtic fans over the decades, with the current Hoops squad recreating Billy McNeill's famous trophy lift during last summer's pre-season trip. Pictures posted by Al Nassr on social media show Postecoglou emerging from the tunnel where Bertie Auld famously burst into a rousing version of the Celtic Song before the match.
