The Australian revealed the Scottish champions wanted him to extend his stay in Glasgow but the “new opportunity” presented to him was one he wanted to explore after two seasons at Celtic Park. The club confirmed “the process of appointing” his replacement is “already underway” but told fans that while they want to appoint a manager as soon as possible the “priority will be to appoint the best candidate to take the club forward”.
Postecoglou leaves big shoes to fill following a hugely successful two-year spell having taken over from Neil Lennon after the club missed out on ten in a row. The 57-year-old won five trophies, including two Premiership titles and the treble this campaign, during his time, while creating a style of play which excited fans and had huge success in the transfer market.
The new Celtic boss is set to encounter a rejuvenated Rangers who finished seven points behind in the league and lost to their rivals in the League Cup final and Scottish Cup semi-final. Michael Beale has already started his promised summer rebuild, while Postecoglou revealed in the aftermath of the Scottish Cup final win that some of the champions' stars could depart. They will, however, once again start in the Champions League group stage following the Premiership win.
Speculation is well and truly underway as to who replaces Postecoglou with a number of familiar names in mentioned, while former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs noted the club are “in a very strong position now and I think there will be big names from across Europe who would be very interested”.
We look at 13 possible candidates for the job...
9. Kjetil Knutsen - 7/1
It is not he first time the Norwegian has been linked with the Celtic job. In fact, he is someone who is often linked with vacant managerial posts due to the work he has done with Bodø/Glimt in his homeland since 2018. He has twice won the Eliteserien and the team are currently eight points clear at the top after 10 games. Knutsen has also won the manager of the year award three times. Still yet to make the move. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
10. Jesse Marsch - 7/1
Available after being sacked by Leeds United earlier this season. The American was the man picked to take on the challenge of following Marcelo Bielsa. A key figure within the Red Bull stable earlier in his career, managing New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and then RB Leipzig. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
11. David Moyes - 5/1
Another name who is mentioned when Celtic are on the lookout for a new manager after playing for the club early in his career. Has had an up and down managerial career but could be about to win his first major title having taken West Ham United into the Conference League final where they will face Fiorentina. Could it be the dream ending? Photo: Alex Grimm
12. Enzo Maresca - 2/1
Viewed as a leading candidate to become the next Celtic boss. Was touted as a possible option before Ange Postecoglou’s appointment. He is currently in his second spell at Manchester City, this time acting as an assistant to Pep Guardiola. Has only had one first-team manager’s job, a short period with Parma. Photo: Naomi Baker