Ange Postecoglou says the opportunity to lead Cristiano Ronaldo\u2019s 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\u2019s recent success.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Postecoglou inherits one of Asia\u2019s most star-studded squads, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Man\u00e9, Kingsley Coman and Jo\u00e3o F\u00e9lix, with expectations high after Al Nassr secured their first league title since 2019.<\/p>\n Speaking in his first official interview with the club, Postecoglou said taking on new challenges has defined his coaching career.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most important thing for me is that throughout my whole career I\u2019ve enjoyed taking on new challenges, new competitions, working with different people and growing from that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThis is another opportunity for me to test myself in a new environment, a new country and with a new team.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve taken over clubs that weren\u2019t successful and made them successful, and I\u2019ve taken over clubs that were already successful and continued that success. I\u2019m excited by the possibilities of what we can achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a lot of ambition, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cPeople sometimes think because it\u2019s in Asia it\u2019s easier, but I\u2019ve always said the success I\u2019ve had there was incredibly hard-earned. Every competition presents different challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n He also praised the rapid rise of the Saudi Pro League, saying the competition has become one of the strongest in Asia.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Postecoglou added that he was joining a club with stability and ambition after Jorge Jesus delivered the league championship.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Jesus did an outstanding job winning the title. Now the club is ready to go to the next level, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Australian made it clear that his mindset remains unchanged regardless of where he coaches.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery year I start with the same thought: I want this year to be the best year ever. It doesn\u2019t matter what happened in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cWinning gives you a taste for more success, but you also have to remember the hard work and sacrifices it takes to get there.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Postecoglou also addressed the comment that has followed him throughout his career \u2014 that he \u201calways wins things in his second season.\u201d<\/p>\n He explained the remark was made while managing Tottenham, where many doubted the club could end its long trophy drought.<\/p>\n \u201cThat quote came when people didn\u2019t believe I could win anything because Tottenham hadn\u2019t won a trophy for 17 years or a European title for 40 years, and I was in my second year.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n He pointed out that the statement was never meant to suggest success only comes in a second season.<\/p>\n \u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cFor me, it doesn\u2019t matter whether it\u2019s the first year, second year or third year. Every season I coach, I want to win. But it\u2019s not just about winning \u2014 it\u2019s about how you win and the football you play.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Postecoglou said he feels privileged to lead one of the biggest clubs in Asian football and is eager to leave his mark.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m super excited to be here. It\u2019s a privilege and an honour to coach such a big club. We\u2019ll have some fun this year, make an impact and try to be as successful as possible while playing football everyone enjoys.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/amnge_upscale-4-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
Ready for another challenge in Asia<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\u2018Every year I want to win\u2019<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
Explaining the famous \u2018second season\u2019 quote<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n