​The reigning champions of the Roshn Saudi League are ushering in a new chapter as Al Nassr begins a fresh era with Ange Postecoglou taking the helm after his appointment last week. The former Australia, Celtic, and Tottenham Hotspur manager landed in Riyadh on Saturday and has already begun shaping the squad in readiness for the 2026-27 RSL campaign, marking the club’s first title defense in seven years. Having agreed to a two-year contract as the successor to Jorge Jesus, Postecoglou sat down with Al Nassr’s media team at the club’s headquarters to explain why he accepted the job, share his thoughts on the upcoming season, and reflect on the increasingly competitive landscape of Saudi football.
“I’ve built my career on taking on fresh challenges, embracing new competitions, and working alongside different people to grow,” he said. “This is another opportunity for me to test myself in a new environment, in a new country, with a new group of players. The core challenge remains the same, regardless of the club. I’ve taken over teams that weren’t successful and helped them reach new levels, and I’ve also joined clubs that were already thriving and contributed to their continued success.
“For me, the most important part is the connections I’ve already established with people at the club. I’m excited by the possibilities of what we can accomplish together. I also bring a lot of ambition, and I’m glad the club shares that drive—that’s a big reason I’m here. I’ve spent a lot of time working across Asia, and even when I was in Europe, I always reminded people that success there didn’t come easily. The challenges in every competition are always substantial.”
He went on to note how much the Saudi league has grown in recent years, with four, five, or six clubs now markedly competitive and eager to win titles. He acknowledged that the AFC Champions League remains a formidable pursuit and acknowledged the steady stabilization the club has enjoyed in recent times.
“Mr. Jesus did an outstanding job last year in winning the championship, and now the club is ready to move to the next level, which is precisely why I’m here. Each year brings new possibilities, and every season presents a fresh opportunity,” Postecoglou explained. “I’ve enjoyed substantial success throughout my career, but with each new year, I begin with the same mindset: I want this year to be the best I’ve ever had. It doesn’t matter what I’ve achieved in the past.
“Winning is important for any club and for any person. When you win something, you taste it and you want it again. But achieving that requires understanding what it takes—the work, the sacrifices, and the commitment. That’s the crucial element. For me, every year starts with that same purpose: to make it the best year yet, for me, for the club I’m with, and for the people I collaborate with. That’s how we begin this year.”