Ange Postecoglou is facing a challenging start at Nottingham Forest, with his future uncertain after less than a month. Despite this, reports indicate that the Forest board supports him ahead of their upcoming match against Newcastle United. A recent 3-2 loss to Midtjylland in the Europa League has increased pressure on Postecoglou, with some fans calling for his departure.
The Australian manager is the first in 100 years at Forest to not win any of his first six games (D2 L4), a record last seen under John Baynes in 1925. His team has also conceded more goals than any other Premier League side since he took over, following Nuno Espirito Santo's unpopular dismissal. Despite these challenges, Postecoglou maintains that his relationship with owner
Evangelos Marinakis remains intact.
Reflecting on his past achievements, Postecoglou draws confidence from leading Spurs to a Europa League victory last season. He believes this experience equips him to handle current pressures. "It doesn't enter my head," he stated about the mounting pressure. His focus remains on progressing the club and creating a competitive environment without worrying about immediate outcomes.
Forest's performance under Postecoglou has been disappointing, with no wins in their first three Premier League matches (D1 L2). The last time a permanent manager failed to win any of their first four league games was Andy Beattie in 1960. Overall, Postecoglou has lost 11 of his last 15 Premier League games (W1 D3), making the upcoming match against Newcastle crucial.
Despite the setbacks, Postecoglou remains optimistic about turning things around. He emphasises concentrating on training and playing style, believing they are close to achieving better results. "I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away," he expressed confidently.
Postecoglou acknowledges that while owner Marinakis is not pleased with the current situation, he continues to offer support. "His only comment to me was, 'How can we help you?'" said Postecoglou. The manager understands that ultimately, it is up to him to change the club's fortunes and improve their standing.
The task ahead is daunting as Forest prepares for Newcastle. Although Postecoglou won his first Premier League meeting with them in December 2023, he has since lost three consecutive matches against them by an aggregate score of 8-2. This history adds another layer of difficulty as he seeks to secure a much-needed victory.
100 - Ange Postecoglou has become the first permanent Nottingham Forest manager for 100 years to fail to win any of his first six games in charge of the club (D2 L4), since John Baynes failed to win any of his first seven games in August/September 1925. Mate.
OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
Postecoglou's tenure at Tottenham taught him resilience; even knowing he would be sacked months before it happened did not deter him from achieving success there. He aims to apply this same determination at Nottingham Forest as he works towards improving their performance and securing positive results for the team and its supporters.
