Michael Bridges has told Optus Sport’s GegenPod podcast that he told Leeds United to consider appointing Ange Postecoglou as manager a number of years ago – when Leeds travelled to Australia to take on Manchester United.
Leeds suffered a 4-0 loss to Manchester United in the summer of 2019 in Australia during a pre-season friendly. A summer trip that also included a 2-1 win over Western Sydney. Bridges, who lives in Australia, was seen aplenty.
Postecoglou was regularly mentioned during the club’s search for a new manager, to replace Jesse Marsch. One report from the Record said Leeds were of the belief that the Aussie boss shares traits similar to Marcelo Bielsa.
But Postecoglou is on the verge of winning a second League title at Celtic, and could win the treble. That will be answered this weekend when Celtic face Rangers in the League Cup final. In the summer, though, he could go.
Celtic will be desperate to keep him and it might be that he signs a new deal. But ex-Leeds striker Bridges claims he told Leeds United’s executive director Paul Bell, back in the summer of 2019, to keep a close eye on Postecoglou.
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“I remember having a chat with Paul Bell when Leeds and Manchester United played each other three or four years ago at the Optus Stadium in Perth. I threw Ange’s [Postecoglou] name in back then,” Bridges told the GegenPod.
“I said ‘just put him on the radar, keep an eye on what he’s doing’. I said he’s doing wonderful things and that they should keep an eye on what happens. It’s so refreshing to think that Ange is talked about in the Premier League.”
Bridges told Leeds to consider Postecoglou a number of years ago
Postecoglou could remain a target for Leeds but the chances of him leaving Celtic for Leeds right now, was always going to be zero. He could take his tally of two trophies at Celtic to five in the next few months. He may remain.
In the summer, he will be given more funds to improve his Celtic side – ahead of what will be a second crack at the Champions League group stages. But, Postecoglou may have dreams of managing in the Premier League.
