Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Nottingham Forest appears increasingly precarious as the Australian manager navigates the club’s worst start to a season in a century. The former Tottenham manager has yet to secure a victory in his first six matches, creating a tense atmosphere at the City Ground.
The situation reached a boiling point following Thursday’s European defeat to Danish side Midtjylland, where sections of the home support voiced their dissatisfaction with the new manager after just 23 days in charge. While club officials haven’t made immediate plans for a change in leadership, Sunday’s trip to Newcastle could prove decisive for Postecoglou’s future.
Forest’s current struggles contrast sharply with the team’s form under previous manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who guided the club to European qualification before his surprising dismissal. The Portuguese coach had built a resilient defensive unit and established a clear tactical identity during his time at the club.
Postecoglou’s attempts to implement his signature attacking philosophy have encountered significant challenges. The team has struggled defensively, particularly against set pieces and counterattacks – issues that plagued his previous club. While Forest have shown promising signs in possession, converting chances has proven difficult, with poor finishing compounding defensive vulnerabilities.
The manager’s appointment represented a significant philosophical shift for the club, moving away from the pragmatic approach that brought recent success. Club ownership had hoped Postecoglou’s European pedigree and attacking principles would elevate the team, but the transition has proven more difficult than anticipated.
With challenging fixtures against Newcastle, Chelsea, and Bournemouth looming, the pressure continues to mount. The coming matches will test whether Postecoglou can win over skeptical supporters and demonstrate that his vision can deliver results, or whether Forest’s ownership will be forced to reconsider their managerial appointment.
