Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou kept a close eye on Arsenal's 3-1 win over Inter Milan in his new role
Just seven days after observing Arsenal in Champions League competition, ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou will be monitoring another Premier League side just as closely. Postecoglou has been occupied in his fresh position as a UEFA technical observer, with the role taking him to the San Siro to watch Arsenal secure a 3-1 victory away at Inter Milan last week.
This Wednesday, he'll be at the Parc des Princes to observe Newcastle United's trip to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Both sides enter the fixture on 13 points, meaning only the winner will avoid a play-off and progress directly to the round of 16.
According to UEFA's own definition, 'The UEFA Technical Observer Group will be monitoring UEFA's club competitions in depth, with stats and video assistance enabling them to deliver detailed reports on the latest developments in coaching which are shared among the footballing community to give a dynamic account of the state of the game'.
Postecoglou is amongst more than 20 football figures selected for the position this season, with Gareth Southgate, Roberto Martinez and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer among the others. The technical observers select a player of the match whenever they are assigned a fixture, while their end-of-season responsibilities see them assist in determining the player, young player, team and goals of the season.
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Postecoglou's official assessment of the Inter vs Arsenal match was published on UEFA's website, with particular praise for Gabriel Jesus after the Brazilian's two goals. "Jesus' alertness in the box gave Arsenal a cutting edge to complement their ability to create opportunities from various avenues," Postecoglou wrote.
"Both [of the Brazilian's] goals were instinctive. The first was from a mis-hit shot that he was able to capitalise on and the second from a rebound off the crossbar. Both are a demonstration of a goalscorer's instincts as, while others are watching, he is anticipating an opportunity to score".
The Australian tactician had a short stint in the dugout earlier this campaign with Nottingham Forest, overseeing two Europa League fixtures during his tenure at the City Ground, having left Spurs after leading them to Europa League glory last term. Nevertheless, he endured barely a month and hasn't returned to the managerial hot seat since his dismissal in October.
The 60-year-old, who previously guided Celtic in the Champions League, will be observing another boss going through a difficult spell when he travels to France this week. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe isn't believed to be facing any immediate threat to his job but a home loss to Aston Villa on Sunday left his side finishing the weekend in ninth, some five points adrift of the Premier League's top four.
Newcastle occupy seventh spot in the Champions League's league phase, trailing opponents Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference. Even should they suffer defeat on Wednesday, their present tally of 13 points might prove sufficient to secure seeding for the play-off round - last campaign there were five clubs level on 13 points and two of those (including PSG themselves) earned seeding courtesy of their goal difference.