Ange Postecoglou faces Celtic return dilemma as Brendan Rodgers standoff ‘opens door’ for return

Rodgers contract is ticking down with the defending champions enduring a lacklustre campaign

Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers

Out of work Ange Posectoglou could have the door opened by Brendan Rodgers to return to Celtic.

But Chris Waddle believes the Australian boss will question if a return to the Scottish Premiership is a “step back” in his career.

Postecoglou spent two successful seasons in Glasgow’s east end, signing off in the summer of 2023 to join Tottenham after a Treble-winning campaign.

After a fifth place finish in his debut Premier League campaign, he would lift the Europa League last term to end Spurs’ silverware drought before being shown the door.

The 60-year-old spent a winless eight-game stint at Nottingham Forest before being shown the door last week – and Waddle believes the uncertainty over Rodgers future could see the Parkhead decision-makers to turn to Postecoglou this summer.

Rodgers has been vocal in his views over the quality of the Celtic squad following the end of the summer transfer window – and reports south of the border suggest he is already attracting interest from Premier League clubs with his contract coming to an end in the summer.

And with Celtic trailing Hearts by five points in the title race, Waddle told Boyle Sports: “Brendan Rodgers has consistently performed well as a manager, achieving success at clubs like Celtic twice, Leicester, and Liverpool.

“He likely feels let down by a lack of investment, especially considering the potential for a strong Champions League run.

“They performed last year, and with a few more additions, a deeper push into the Champions League seemed possible. However, the club hasn’t backed him.

The Northern Irishman could bid farewell to the club before the season ends(Image: Srdjan Stevanovic – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

“This has likely left Brendan, and the fans, disillusioned with the club’s management.

“Regarding a new contract, the delay until nearly Christmas suggests a lack of communication. If the club intended to secure his future, discussions would have started much earlier.

“It’s possible Brendan doesn’t want a new contract, or the club is considering a different direction. This situation could lead to his departure, potentially opening the door for fans to want Ange’s return.

“The question then becomes whether Ange Postecoglou would view a return as a step forward or backward in his career.”