Men lie, not the figures. After OptaAngel Postcoglou has become the first manager of Nottingham Forest for 100 years not to win any of his first six games at the head of the club (2 draws, 4 losses), since John Baynes has won none of his first seven games between August and September … 1925. The surprise defeat at Midtjylland Thursday evening in the Europa League (3-2) The supporters' share for their coach arrived less than a month ago only on September 9.
THE “You're going to get fired tomorrow morning” From the 30,000 spectators of City Ground accompanied the exit of the Australian technician and his players. The same scene had already taken place for Nuno Espirito Santo, on August 31, day of his last match at the head of Reds. “”The supporters are disappointed. They have the right to have their opinion and I heard itcommented Postcoglou after the match at a press conference, not really surprised by their reaction. Nothing surprises me in football anymore. I guess it's just the climate in which we live and it seems that it is the direction that we take».
“You're going to get fired tomorrow morning”
His beginnings are bad and the pedigree of his executioners has nothing to reassure for the future. There was certainly this inaugural defeat against Arsenal (3-0) but the following opponents of Nottingham are scheduled to play in its courtyard or even upstairs below like Burnley (null 1-1) and Sunderland (1-0 defeat), both promoted this season. And what about elimination in League Cup on the lawn of Swansea, current 8th of Championship. The beautiful season of the past end ended in 7th place after having long fought on the podium and the places in C1 already seems distant.
17th after 6 days of the championship, a point ahead of Burnley the first relegation, the English club now flirts with the red zone. If Roberto de Zerbi sometimes takes himself for Robin des Bois, Ange Postcoglou has nothing to sheriff in Nottingham. However, the one who signed until 2027 seems determined to straighten the bar. “”When we are in a period like ours, when we have not won for some time, it becomes a little more present in the minds of people and in all the discussions they have. But I always have the feeling that the whole group sees that we are making progress.»»
236 M € spent this summer
For him, it's a simple question of time. Confidence will return and validate its process. “”We do things differently, it's obvious enough for everyone, and the players have joined it“, Ensures the 60-year-old coach, encouraged by Morgan Gibbs-White. “”It is difficult to adapt immediately to a change. Things will not set up overnight», Acquires the man who almost joined Tottenham this summer for € 70 million, before finally extending his contract. “”Angel is incredible. He has already won and has clearly shown it. He tries to instill in this winner mentality.»»
However, there were € 236 million in investments this summer in the transfer market (€ 43 million on Omari Hutchinson, 42 on Dan Ndoye, 35 on Dilane Bakwa, 30 on Arnaud Kalimuendo or 25 on James Mcatte for example). The owner Evangelos Marinakis, not really renowned for his patience in terms of results, will not allow this situation for a long time. Time is not playing in favor of Australo-Greek, and neither is the circumstances. Barely returned from injury, Murillo had to be released prematurely Thursday evening, while a perilous trip to Newcastle is looming on Sunday, before chaining against Chelsea, Porto, Mu or Liverpool in the coming weeks.
PostCoglou plays its reputation
Will Postcoglou always be there to face the big arms? The winner of the Europa League in the spring plays part of his reputation. After excellent beginnings in Tottenham two years ago, the coach failed to continue over the duration of a championship. Since the resumption of the 2024/2025 season, it has only 37.9 % of victories (25 out of 66 games, for 11 draws and especially 30 defeats). We are far from the ambitions set by Marinakis to go far in the European Cup and to fight for the first half of the table on the domestic level. L'Angel is frankly wait.
