Nottingham Forest’s Manager Faces Crisis After Disappointing Results

The lack of acknowledgment from Nottingham Forest players towards their coach Ange Postecoglou after yet another loss, this time to Newcastle at St. James’ Park, raises serious concerns.

Postecoglou, who was appointed by owner Evangelos Marinakis as a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo on September 9, finds himself in a precarious position in his role.

Marinakis’ Support for Postecoglou

“We are welcoming a coach with a remarkable and consistent history of winning titles,” Marinakis stated during Postecoglou’s introduction.

“His extensive experience with top-tier teams, combined with his ambition to create something extraordinary at Forest, makes him an ideal fit to help us fulfill our goals.”

However, just 27 days into his tenure, concerns regarding his capability in this position are mounting due to a winless streak.

A 3-0 defeat in his debut match against Arsenal was anticipated, but a surprising 3-2 loss at Swansea in the Carabao Cup — despite having a 2-0 advantage at one point — raised eyebrows.

A 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor could typically be seen as a solid outcome; however, failing to secure a win only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the manager.

Furthermore, a last-minute goal from Antony saved a 2-2 draw for Real Betis in the Europa League, which was soon followed by disappointing home losses against Sunderland and a 3-2 setback against Midtjylland in Europe.

Could the Newcastle Fixture Be Postecoglou’s Last?

Facing Newcastle away was never an ideal opportunity for Postecoglou to secure his first victory, ultimately leading to a 2-0 defeat, which resulted in a record of 7 matches played with 0 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses.

What complicates matters further is that in the Premier League this season, while under his leadership, Forest ranks at the bottom of the table in several categories: goals scored (1), losses (3), points (1), clean sheets (0), errors leading to shots (5), and a 2% shot conversion rate.

They are only marginally better regarding goals allowed from set-pieces (4) and shots on target faced (22).

Thus, one must ponder whether Forest would showcase their most troubling form if they chose to dismiss Postecoglou during the international break.

27 Days and Counting…

As of now, he is just three days shy of setting the record for the shortest managerial stint in Premier League history, currently held by Sam Allardyce, who lasted only 30 days at Leeds in May 2023.

Prior to him, Les Reed’s brief 40-day period at Charlton in 2006 still saw him gather four points, something Postecoglou has yet to achieve.

It’s concerning that a manager is facing potential dismissal less than a month into a rebuilding process, raising questions about the club’s vision.

Is Marinakis’ Ego Impacting Forest’s Challenges?

This becomes particularly critical when reviewing Marinakis’ initial comments regarding Postecoglou:

“His ambition to cultivate something special at Forest makes him an outstanding individual to support us in our journey.”

Could Marinakis truly think that in just 27 days, Postecoglou has transformed from “an outstanding individual” to someone deemed unnecessary?

Wouldn’t the potential dismissal of a forward-thinking manager who simply needs more time to implement his strategies reflect more on Marinakis’ ego than the manager’s capabilities?

This same ego was on display last season when Marinakis infamously approached the pitch to confront Nuno.

Who Might Succeed Postecoglou?

While it’s evident that Forest cannot afford relegation, and the current situation warrants serious concern, Postecoglou has yet to navigate a single transfer window to bring in his desired players.

He is attempting to work with a squad that previously led to the dismissal of Nuno due to poor performances.

For instance, in May 2025, Forest faced defeats against Chelsea, West Ham, and Brentford, while drawing with Leicester and Crystal Palace.

If Marinakis succumbed to external pressures and opted to terminate Postecoglou’s role, has he considered who would be brought in as his replacement? Who would be willing to join a club with an owner known for making rapid decisions?

Ange’s Resilient Outlook

From the manager’s perspective, he maintains a resilient outlook amidst the challenges.

“It is tough, it is a battle, and that’s what we are here for. What worries me is not part of this equation; that’s why I cherish what I do,” he expressed following the loss to Newcastle.

“If people want to evaluate me based on just three and a half weeks, there’s little I can do about that. I had the choice to relax and watch the game from home, but I chose to be here. I thrive on challenges.”

Regardless of the outcome, a challenge undoubtedly awaits Postecoglou now…