Ange Postecoglou says the opportunity to lead Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr was a challenge he could not resist, as the Australian coach begins a new chapter in Saudi Arabia determined to build on the club’s recent success.
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic and Socceroos manager has signed a two-year contract with the Saudi Pro League champions following the departure of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.
Postecoglou inherits one of Asia’s most star-studded squads, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Kingsley Coman and João Félix, with expectations high after Al Nassr secured their first league title since 2019.
Speaking in his first official interview with the club, Postecoglou said taking on new challenges has defined his coaching career.
“The most important thing for me is that throughout my whole career I’ve enjoyed taking on new challenges, new competitions, working with different people and growing from that,” he said.
“This is another opportunity for me to test myself in a new environment, a new country and with a new team.”
The 60-year-old said he had already developed a strong connection with the people at Al Nassr and was excited by what the club could achieve.
“I’ve taken over clubs that weren’t successful and made them successful, and I’ve taken over clubs that were already successful and continued that success. I’m excited by the possibilities of what we can achieve.”
Ready for another challenge in Asia
Although this is his first experience in Saudi Arabia, Postecoglou is no stranger to Asian football. He guided Yokohama F. Marinos to the 2019 J1 League title in Japan and believes success in the region should never be underestimated.
“I have a lot of ambition, and that’s why I’m here,” he said.
“People sometimes think because it’s in Asia it’s easier, but I’ve always said the success I’ve had there was incredibly hard-earned. Every competition presents different challenges.”
He also praised the rapid rise of the Saudi Pro League, saying the competition has become one of the strongest in Asia.
“The Saudi league has grown enormously over the past few years. There are now five or six clubs capable of winning the title, and the AFC Champions League Elite is extremely competitive.”
Postecoglou added that he was joining a club with stability and ambition after Jorge Jesus delivered the league championship.
“Mr Jesus did an outstanding job winning the title. Now the club is ready to go to the next level, and that’s why I’m here.”
‘Every year I want to win’
The Australian made it clear that his mindset remains unchanged regardless of where he coaches.
“Every year I start with the same thought: I want this year to be the best year ever. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past.”
“Winning gives you a taste for more success, but you also have to remember the hard work and sacrifices it takes to get there.”
Explaining the famous ‘second season’ quote
Postecoglou also addressed the comment that has followed him throughout his career — that he “always wins things in his second season.”
He explained the remark was made while managing Tottenham, where many doubted the club could end its long trophy drought.
“That quote came when people didn’t believe I could win anything because Tottenham hadn’t won a trophy for 17 years or a European title for 40 years, and I was in my second year.”
He pointed out that the statement was never meant to suggest success only comes in a second season.
“At Celtic I won a domestic double in my first year. I made that statement because I wanted people to understand that I believed Tottenham could win something.”
“For me, it doesn’t matter whether it’s the first year, second year or third year. Every season I coach, I want to win. But it’s not just about winning — it’s about how you win and the football you play.”
Postecoglou said he feels privileged to lead one of the biggest clubs in Asian football and is eager to leave his mark.
“I’m super excited to be here. It’s a privilege and an honour to coach such a big club. We’ll have some fun this year, make an impact and try to be as successful as possible while playing football everyone enjoys.”