Mark Bosnich has poured cold water on growing speculation that Ange Postecoglou could make a sensational return to Celtic if Brendan Rodgers departs in the near future. Update: Brendan Rodgers resigns, Celtic interim and assistant manager appointed.
The Australian coach has been heavily linked with the Parkhead job following his early exit from Nottingham Forest, where he was sacked after just over a month in charge.
Postecoglou remains a hugely popular figure among Celtic supporters after transforming the club during his two-year spell in Glasgow, winning five trophies and restoring an attacking identity. With Rodgers under increasing pressure after a poor run of results, fans and pundits have begun to wonder whether the club could turn back to the man who rebuilt it not long ago.
However, Bosnich believes that now is not the right time for Postecoglou to jump back into management — and certainly not so soon after a bruising spell in England. The former Socceroo said his countryman should instead take a break, regroup, and only return to the dugout once he’s ready to rebuild his reputation abroad.
While Bosnich didn’t rule out a future comeback to Celtic or the Premier League, he insisted that Postecoglou needs time to reset after what he described as a “turbulent” period at Nottingham Forest.
He said: (Stan Sport), “In the main part, in a little bit of tatters, but it’s not irretrievable.
“It doesn’t help, but this is why it’s time for him to take a sabbatical in my opinion. Maybe just take a little bit of time off, he could do some media – not in England – but just for a while.
“Maybe come back to Australia for a little bit. Long term, I think he can return to the Premier League, but that won’t be in the short term.
“To facilitate that return he has to go somewhere in Europe and do very, very well, which I believe he is more than capable of doing. But the general consensus there (in England) is not in a good place, which I can understand.
“We are biased (in Australia), Ange is Australian and we want him to do so well not only for his sake but for the future of Australian managers that happen to go over there.”
Bosnich’s comments come as Celtic fans debate Rodgers’ future amid the club’s poor domestic form and early European exit.
Postecoglou’s name has been floated by some supporters as the ideal candidate to restore energy and belief, but Bosnich’s assessment suggests any reunion is unlikely in the short term.
Soccer Football – Nottingham Forest unveil new manager Ange Postecoglou – The City Ground, Nottingham, Britain – September 11, 2025 New Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou poses for a photograph inside the stadium Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
For Postecoglou, a spell away from the intensity of club football could be the best way to recharge before taking on his next challenge. His reputation remains strong despite his brief Forest stint, and many believe he will return to the top level once more, just not yet.
As Rodgers fights to steady Celtic’s season, talk of Postecoglou’s return will no doubt continue to swirl. But for now, the man himself is being urged to take a step back, not another leap into the chaos he only just left behind.
