Ange Postecoglou sent on Arsenal spying mission after landing new job

Ange Postecoglou’s new role in football involved a trip to the San Siro to watch Arsenal in action

Ange Postecoglou heaped praise upon Arsenal following his inaugural scouting assignment in his new capacity with UEFA.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss – currently without a job in the dugout following his difficult period at Nottingham Forest – who became part of UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel last year – delivered his maiden report from the San Siro after witnessing Mikel Arteta’s team defeat Inter 3-1.

Postecoglou was particularly taken by Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus’ performance as he netted twice and contributed to the Gunners’ seventh consecutive Champions League victory this campaign.

The 60-year-old’s standing suffered during his unsuccessful spell at the City Ground, yet his reputation seems to be recovering given Tottenham’s struggles under Thomas Frank.

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In his official assessment published on UEFA’s website, Postecoglou stated: “Jesus’ alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues.

“Both goals were instinctive. The first was from a miss-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.”

Prior to his appointment at the City Ground, Postecoglou admitted he knew the writing was on the wall for him at Tottenham despite ending their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last year.

He said at the time: “We won it, we had the parade, so it was a great three days and I didn’t want it to tarnish that. After that I kind of knew it was done. What I do know is I had two years where it was very, very challenging but I worked with some fantastic people in the football department.

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“The supporters we put them through some tough times but there isn’t a Spurs supporter that I don’t come across now that doesn’t want to hug me and take me home for dinner, so I must have done something right.

“Ultimately, I think that’s what we do it for. It will always take a special place in my heart.” His stint at Forest lasted just 39 days which is the second shortest tenure in English Premier League history, with only Sam Allardyce’s 30-day stay at Leeds United shorter.