Ange Postecoglou has ruled out a return to Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, as Martin O’Neill takes temporary charge and the club begins its search for a new permanent manager.
Ange Postecoglou is reportedly distancing himself from a possible return to Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation on Monday night.
Rodgers stepped down after a poor start to the season that left Celtic eight points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. His final match was a 3-1 defeat to Hearts, prompting the club to appoint Martin O’Neill as interim manager two decades after his first spell in charge.
Celtic’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, condemned Rodgers’ conduct amid a contract dispute, calling him “divisive, misleading and self-serving.”
Postecoglou, who guided Celtic to consecutive league titles between 2021 and 2023, had emerged as an early favourite to return. However, talkSPORT reports that sources close to the Australian have “downplayed” the likelihood of him returning to Parkhead.
Following his brief and turbulent 39-day tenure at Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou is said to be taking a break from management.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is believed to be on Celtic’s shortlist. O’Neill, now leading the team temporarily, said, “Celtic are looking for a young coach with proven ability to pull the club forward.”
Celtic host Falkirk on Wednesday as O’Neill seeks to restore confidence after consecutive defeats.