Replacing a team icon was always going to be a tough assignment, but the previous manager managed to pull off a smart move after the former coach’s exit: securing victories in his first two matches. Much is forgotten about the first six months of Nuno’s time in charge, when the team stayed up just one position above the relegation zone and endured a stretch of winning only one time in 10 Premier League games.
Nuno had accomplished the crucial job of boosting morale and gaining the backing of the fans by beating an opponent away and generating enthusiasm by overcoming Manchester United at their own ground, and nobody was demanding style points. The City Ground was rocking in the end of 2023, and local supporters were not overly concerned that they saw only two more wins there for the rest of the campaign.
The club supporters demand Postecoglou dismissal after less than a month following continental loss.
Ange Postecoglou is yet to taste success, making him the initial Forest head coach in a century to fail to win any of their first six fixtures. There was a poisonous atmosphere at the City Ground on Thursday night as they succumbed to the runner-up team in Denmark. When supporters are demanding your sacking after 23 days, it is fair to say things are not going well. On the next day there were no plans to dismiss Postecoglou but a defeat at Newcastle on Sunday could end his position.
All those at the club accepted there would be a phase of change because the new manager’s tactical approach is virtually a complete contrast to the one Nuno carefully developed there. The plan was developing under the former coach but not at the pace Postecoglou is trying to introduce.
Beginning with a series of road matches was consistently going to be a difficult challenge for the manager. Opening at a top side meant building positive energy from the first whistle was unlikely but losing at a Championship team in the Carabao Cup and tying at another opponent put Postecoglou on the defensive. The game at a Spanish club seemed to be a positive shift because the performance was strong and in line with expectations regarding Postecoglou’s style. The processes were correct and, if not for a last-minute opposing player goal, takeoff would have begun.
However Forest remain grounded. If Postecoglou could have been forgiven for the performances on the road, losing at home to Sunderland and a European side was never part of the plan. There was a element of explanation in the first City Ground loss: a soft set-piece award that resulted in the winner and appalling finishing from Forest meant the result went away to the opposing team. Forest had almost the majority of possession and 22 shots but outscoring an opponent on expected goals is irrelevant.
The manager and Neco Williams will want to turn Nottingham Forest’s fortunes around at the next venue on the upcoming matchday.
There was a belief that once the strikers regained form, everything would be resolved but poor conversion is only one of the problems confronting the boss. The solid defensive unit built by the previous manager has been dismantled, leaving him still waiting for a shutout. Stopping set pieces has been an issue, two of Midtjylland’s goals originating from them, and the remaining goal Forest let in was from a counterattack, the sort that were a common feature during Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham.
The coach was keen to get back to management quickly after being dismissed by his previous employers, particularly with a Europa League winner’s medal around his neck. He aimed to prove critics wrong and Forest offered that chance, with the extra incentive of being in the tournament he had won in May. The Greek link with Forest’s proprietor, Evangelos Marinakis, helped make the appointment straightforward and the manager, despite his critics, does have the credentials necessary – but pragmatism was not to be part of the equation.
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Nuno was not sacked for sporting reasons but for picking a fight with Marinakis that he was never going to win. Finishing in seventh place and guiding Forest into continental competition made him extremely popular. Despite his gripes, a team able of finishing in the upper section was put together and a lot of funds was invested. After excessive short-termism at Forest, they had a clear long-term vision and approach, which featured a squad that fit Nuno. Now it seems as if a new figure has moved into the house and the residents are not happy.
Visits to Newcastle and Bournemouth bookend the visit of a top team in the next three league games, suggesting life is only going to get harder. The owner made the appointment with his emotions and is desperately hoping to avoid another dismissal because firing the manager would be an admission that he made two dreadful decisions in dismissing Nuno and choosing the replacement. Football is one big public approval contest and Nuno began winning his at the away ground. Postecoglou needs to do the same or he faces the possibility of losing his permanently.
