Celtic win Scottish title No.55 to tie old foes Rangers
Celtic have tied fierce Glasgow rivals Rangers on a record 55 Scottish top-flight titles by clinching the Premiership title with four games to spare.
A 5-0 win at Dundee United on Saturday put Celtic 18 points clear of second-placed Rangers, who have five matches to play.
It was a fourth-straight league title for Celtic and kept them on course for a sixth domestic treble in the last nine seasons.
Brendan Rodgers' men have already won the Scottish League Cup and have reached the final of the Scottish FA Cup, against Aberdeen on May 24.
Rangers won the last of their 55 league titles in 2021 but could not stave of their Old Firm rivals for long, with Celtic overseeing an utterly dominant period in the Scottish game.
They've captured 21 of the last 26 domestic trophies on offer in Scotland and that could soon be 22 from 27 if Celtic win a third-straight Scottish FA Cup title.
"Amazing performance, outstanding," Celtic captain Callum McGregor said. "It means the world to us."
For Rodgers, it's an 11th trophy — and fourth league title — from his two spells in charge. He is bidding for a third treble at the helm of Celtic.
"Leading into this game, there was a little bit of negativity around the league and the competition, but we can only concentrate on ourselves. Our mentality has been so, so good," Rodgers said.
"The competition is for everyone. When it matters, this team has produced. It's not our fault we're 18 points clear and scoring goals."
Rodgers insisted he would "200 percent" be at Celtic for next season, saying: "I have never been happier here."
"It's important," he added, "to keep the motivation and the hunger at this stage of the season and we know what we want to achieve and what records we want to beat."
The team's fans disrupted the game against Dundee United early in the first half by throwing dozens of tangerines onto the field in protest at the host's pricing of tickets for away supporters.
Celtic's fans chanted about the prices as the pieces of fruit were lobbed on, and a banner was held up that read: "Enjoy the fruits of our labour."
The tangerines were cleared off the field by stewards and Celtic players.
Before kick-off, a minute's silence was held for Pope Francis on the day of his funeral. Celtic fans paid tribute with banners and Vatican flags and chanted "Papa Francesco" before the period of silence began.
A Celtic delegation, including Rodgers and his playing squad and staff, met Pope Francis in a private audience after a game against Lazio in December 2023.
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Mercury
an hour ago
- Mercury
Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next after Tottenham sacking?
The football world is still reeling from Tottenham's brutal decision to sack Ange Postecoglou just weeks after he broke the club's 17-year trophy drought by leading Spurs to the Europa League title. After weeks of speculation, Tottenham confirmed on Saturday morning (AEST) it had opted to relieve Postecoglou of his duties — the harsh sacking has prompted outrage from Spurs fans and former players. Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The Aussie manager had two years left on his contract but Tottenham's dire Premier League campaign — finishing 17th with a record low 38 points — was enough for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to move on from Postecoglou. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. He becomes the fifth manager sacked by Levy in the past six years. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next? Attention will quickly turn to which club Postecoglou will coach next, and while there are no shortage of options, his next move is unclear. Postecoglou described himself as 'unemployable' during a hiatus from coaching in the late 2000s after he lost his job as coach of the Young Socceroos and a brutal TV interview with Craig Foster. But with the Europa League trophy as a feather in his cap, that won't be the case now and Postecoglou is bound to land on his feet one way or another with a new coaching job. It remains to be seen where that will be, but he will likely wish to remain in Europe and prove his critics wrong in the Premier League at another club. Timing could be an issue for Postecoglou, with Socceroos great Robbie Slater telling Code Sports it might be tough for the 59-year-old to secure a new job before the new season starts in August. 'He put himself in that top echelon by being at a big club and winning a big trophy,' Slater said. 'The way he plays football, I don't think a lower club in the Premier League will look at him and go we can take that risk. 'And 22 Premier League games lost, I can't see one of the big ones again, at least not just yet. 'He might get that opportunity in Europe, maybe Spain or France. I don't know. 'He's gonna get a job. I can't see him not. He will be in demand. 'I think he's done well enough at Celtic to show League success and by lifting this trophy he will stay in one of the top five leagues which is in Italy, France, Germany, Spain or England. 'He won't have a job to start next season but as we know in football it won't take long.' Football expert Daniel Garb told the ABC: 'I think he holds his reputation from when he came to Spurs from Celtic, and to be honest, considering he's been relieved of his duties, that's not necessarily a bad situation to be in.' The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare wrote on X: 'An element of this I've found really interesting throughout is what's Ange's next job? He's such a hard manager to place in the footballing ecosystem 'Can sort of imagine a historic club like Ajax where he talks in his first presser about watching Cruyff as a kid with his old man.' Champions League runners-up Inter Milan are looking for a manager after Simone Inzaghi moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. But top European clubs would be eager to assess Postecoglou further before appointing him as coach, he could coach a club in Turkey or Greece to further enhance his coaching CV. Another option is becoming coach of a national team ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup, where 48 teams will compete in an expanded competition. Tony Popovic is leading the Socceroos to a sixth consecutive World Cup, while ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is now the coach of Iraq. Postecoglou coached third division Greek side Panachaiki in 2008 before his A-League success with the Brisbane Roar helped land him the Socceroos coaching job. 'Wrong decision': Aussie greats react Robbie Slater said Tottenham had 'made a big mistake' by sacking Postecoglou. Writing for Code Sports, Slater said: 'Levy has left himself in a really, really difficult position now. He's already not liked by the Spurs fans and now he's taking a massive gamble here. 'Ange had promised 'season three is always better than season two.' Good luck with that Spurs.' Craig Foster wrote on X: 'Wrong decision. 'I agree that outside of the Champions league, a trophy doesn't necessarily guarantee tenure. The progression of the play, team and likelihood of reaching the aim of competing for the title next season and beyond, which guarantees Champions League competitiveness, is paramount. 'Which is why Ange should have stayed even had Spurs lost the Europa Final. Given the massive injury list, any team would have struggled. 'When at, or near full strength, the team was proven to be competitive, had invested in young players for the next few years, and with additional funds next season, could strengthen.' Postecoglou's statement after Tottenham sacking 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' Postecoglou said in a classy statement. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.' Ange Postecoglou's coaching record South Melbourne (1996–2000) Postecoglou began his managerial career at South Melbourne, leading the club to multiple National Soccer League titles. Australia U-20 (2000–2004) He managed the Australian U-20 team, gaining experience in international youth football. Australia U-23 (2007–2009) Postecoglou took charge of the U-23 team, preparing them for Olympic qualifiers and tournaments. Brisbane Roar (2009–2012) At Brisbane Roar, he achieved significant success, including winning the A-League Championship and Premiership. Melbourne Victory (2012-2013) Signed a three-year deal with Melbourne Victory but only had a season in charge before being appointed coach of the Socceroos. Australia National Team (2013–2017) As head coach, Postecoglou led the Socceroos to victory in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and managed the team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Celtic (2019–2023) In Scotland, Postecoglou won five major trophies, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and League Cups. Tottenham Hotspur (2023–2025) Postecoglou became the first Australian to manage a Premier League club. He led Spurs to a UEFA Europa League title in 2025, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Originally published as Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next after Tottenham sacking?
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Atrocious': Football world reacts to Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou decision
Season three will not be happening. Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager overnight Friday, just 16 days after the Australian ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League. Postecoglou led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao to clinch the north Londoners' first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. But the Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. 'Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,' a statement on Tottenham's official X account said. Exactly two years after he was hired from Celtic, Postecoglou's eventful spell in north London was brought to a ruthless end by chairman Daniel Levy. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. 'The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place,' the statement said. 'While winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. 'It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. 'This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. 'We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.' Postecoglou had forcefully defended his track record during the season and bristled at the constant questions over his future after his trophy success. He clashed with Tottenham fans during a defeat at Chelsea when he cupped his ear to them in a defiant gesture after a goal that was eventually disallowed. That blunder encapsulated his turbulent time in north London, but the 59-year-old bowed out gracefully. Postecoglou releases statement 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' Postecoglou said. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.' Tottenham were ravaged by injuries and in the latter stages of the campaign Postecoglou focused on keeping his key players fit and fresh for the Europa League. The gamble paid off but even securing Tottenham's first trophy since the 2008 League Cup was not enough to save him. He becomes the fifth manager sacked by Levy in the past six years. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Postecoglou made a blistering start to his Tottenham career, earning rave reviews for his 'Angeball' style of attacking play. However, a string of defeats at the end of the season blew a golden opportunity to qualify for the Champions League. In September 2024, Postecoglou boldly stated that he 'always wins things' in his second year. He delivered on that pledge but even the euphoria from the Europa League win could not save him from the axe. Football world reacts: 'They were atrocious' Postecoglou had largely retained the support of his players and Tottenham defender Pedro Porro saluted his efforts. 'Thank you for everything, boss. I'll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows,' Porro said. 'Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club's history and for that, you'll always be celebrated.' Newcastle legend Alan Shearer tweeted 'what a stupid game football is!!!!' in response to the news. Former England striker Chris Sutton added to the BBC: 'To get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him, that sums up modern football, doesn't it? It's absolute bonkers. 'I would love to know the thought process behind the decision to get rid of him. Basically it is saying the finance of the Premier League is the be all and end all, is it? So finishing fourth or fifth in the Premier League and not winning a trophy is what matters - it is like they are morphing into Arsenal under Arsene Wenger at the end, if that's what is important. 'But money over glory sums up the owner, Daniel Levy, doesn't it? 'Nothing surprises me in football anymore, so Ange Postecoglou is better off out of it really - and maybe they can go back to being mediocre old Tottenham again now.' Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said he wasn't surprised Levy had stuck the knife in again. 'I thought it was a certainty, doesn't shock me at all,' Redknapp told talkSPORT. 'Daniel has had two weeks after the cup final to come out and stop the speculation, from day one after they won that cup he never came out and said a word. 'I knew then for sure he was finished, so it's not a shock in any shape or form to me.' 'It's harsh, it's a difficult one,' he added. 'They were atrocious this season, let's be honest. The league form, fourth from bottom, they had a shocker, they won the cup, sometimes you get a bit of luck with the draw. 'But overall I suppose Daniel has looked at it and is thinking, hang on, Man United kept [Erik] Ten Hag last year after winning a cup and they went out and bought some players under his leadership and then suddenly they sack him. 'Were they going to take that chance with Ange? Bringing four or five new players and suddenly things haven't improved in the league by Christmas, then they have to sack him and are stuck with the players he brought in. 'He looks a good guy and I'd have liked to have seen him given more of a chance but it was never going to happen once Daniel didn't come out and support him.' England manager Thomas Tuchel also discussed the decision. 'It just shows you that it is not only about titles, you can survive seasons without titles if your connection, the support and the belief and the trust between the coach and the club is strong then you can overcome seasons without titles,' Tuchel said. 'If there is slight disbelief, if there are concerns, if the trust is not there anymore, obviously then it is sometimes not even enough to win a trophy after so many years. 'I have biggest respect for him. He's a huge character, he brought a trophy, he said he will deliver in the second year and he did. 'But this is part of the job, we are responsible for the results and we are responsible for the development of the team so, whether we like it or not, sometimes it is us who has to take the full responsibility.'
Sydney Morning Herald
18 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I can't coach Queensland': Cheika on trophies, Aussie snubs and a future in league
'The whole turnaround thing, which has been something I've done always pretty much, you know, trying to do that in the year, I released I probably needed to accelerate a few things.' The Tigers have won eight of twelve games since. English style In his first season coaching in England, Cheika has been surprised, and impressed, with the amount of expansive rugby he has encountered. Though once considered a kick-heavy, forward-dominated competition, the average per-game tries in the Premiership now sits just under that of Super Rugby. 'It surprised me,' he said. 'There's some teams over here that are playing some extremely expansive footy. Like to a point where you've got to strategise defensively differently in order to cope with it 'There's a few others that are playing a lot less kicking and a lot of running from everywhere. It's been an interesting, good challenge for me to have to – I always thought I was the guy who was involved with the teams that are running the most, and I was probably the guy who's running the team that's running one of the least.' Hob-nobbing in Monaco Cheika and Kidwell found themselves with a close-up view of a high-performing Aussie in action – Oscar Piastri – when, via a coaching mentoring group, they were invited into the McLaren garage during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix in May. 'The whole day there, you know, they were so kind to us,' he said. 'They've got a really interesting set-up. They gave access to so many interesting people for the day. I'm hoping that I'll get another chance to go in with them again in the near future, because it's a very different sport to ours, but there's a lot of crossover in the human management of people and in the key moments, and they have so many key moments in that world. So it was great.' Homeward bound Cheika has made no secret of his interest in pursuing a coaching opportunity in the NRL, after working with the Roosters and coaching Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup in 2022. He has been linked to the Dragons, Souths and the Eels, and will resume duties with the Cedars later this year. But, mindful of the peril of becoming the guy floated for every NRL job vacancy, Cheika deflects when asked if interested in coaching the new PNG franchise in 2028. 'I've got some experience ... but I understand totally I am a bit of an outlier,' Cheika said. 'I'm sort of an outsider in both games, a bit, mate. 'I'm going to be pushing for that opportunity, but only in a way that if there's a club there that thinks they need the skill set I have, and along with the team that can put together, et cetera. That's how will work out. 'It's not something where I will go and put my CV in for everything that comes up. It's got to be if the team wants you, and sees the skill set you have and if that alignment occurs from the top. 'If that happens in league, that would be awesome because to master that challenge, that would be huge.' Rugby future With Rugby Australia focused soberly on stability and aligned high performance, the opinionated Cheika appears to be viewed as a square peg. And the still-smouldering second stint of Eddie Jones is also no help, either. 'It's pretty clear what their opinion is,' Cheika said. 'And I am not saying that in a negative way. That's the management decision, so that's fine. I have to then assess my options accordingly.' Loading He believes the meeting with Waugh about the Wallabies job at a Milson Point restaurant was 'never a serious thing', and probably done out of respect for the third party who lined it up. 'It got put in a very public place, and it got out pretty publicly. As soon as that happened, I thought, oh, ok, this isn't too fair dinkum,' he said. Cheika said he'll return home and then figure out his coaching future, be it in league or overseas rugby, where he has options to explore if interested. 'But I've got my businesses and stuff which I can get involved in and wait and see what unfolds,' Cheika said. 'I've got other opportunities [in Europe], but I actually want to go back and see my people and my family. 'I'm really grateful to my wife and kids. They've been so good about the whole thing, you know, moving around, supporting different teams. 'So maybe I will go back for a while, and then see what happens. I have no set plans at the moment.' There are some options on the horizon in Australian rugby, despite Cheika's view. Simon Cron has a year left on his contract at the Western Force, and Kiss' promotion means the Reds are now in the market for a head coach for 2027. But with sky-blue blood, Cheika has an old-school view on the notion of coaching Queensland. 'I can't coach Queensland,' Cheika says. 'No, seriously, I couldn't. It would be like me going to coach Munster against Leinster. Loading 'I understand it's a professional game and all that business. I get it. And I respect the guys at Queensland, I like (QRU chief executive) Dave Hanham a lot. He's a top fellow and they're good guys, and a good team. A great team, right? 'But there are just some rivalries … like, why would you disrespect the people from Waratahs that were on that journey back then (in 2013-2015)? 'I couldn't. I don't think it's right. I just don't think it would be the right thing to do. 'But that's me. I'm like that.'
