Just one week after watching Arsenal in Champions League action, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be keeping a close eye on another Premier League team. Postecoglou has been busy in his new role as a UEFA technical observer, watching Arsenal win 3-1 away at Inter Milan last week. This Wednesday, he’ll be at the Parc des Princes to watch Newcastle United away to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. Both teams go into the game on 13 points, meaning the loser will likely face an extra play-off round if they want to make it into the last 16.
Per UEFA’s own description, ‘The UEFA Technical Observer Group will be monitoring UEFA's club competitions in depth, with stats and video assistance enabling them to deliver detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching which are shared among the footballing community to give a dynamic account of the state of the game’. Postecoglou is one of more than 20 football figures chosen for the role this season, along with the likes of Gareth Southgate, Roberto Martinez and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The technical observers pick the player of the match for each game they are assigned to, while also helping determine the player, young player, team and goals of the season.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Postecoglou’s official report on the Inter vs Arsenal game was shared on UEFA’s website. “[Gabriel] Jesus' alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues,” he wrote.
“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”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Postecoglou spent a brief spell in the dugout earlier this season with Nottingham Forest, taking charge of two Europa League matches during his time in charge at the City Ground. However, he lasted barely a month and has not returned to management since his sacking in October.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.
The Australian, who won the Europa League with Spurs last season and previously managed Celtic in the Champions League, will be watching another under-pressure manager in France this week. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is not thought to be in immediate danger but a home defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday saw his team end the weekend in ninth, some five points outside the Premier League’s top four.
Newcastle sit seventh in the Champions League’s league phase, behind opponents Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference. Even if they lose on Wednesday, their current total of 13 points could be enough to see them seeded for the play-off round - last season there were five teams level on 13 points and two of those (including PSG) were seeded thanks to their goal difference.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT