Ange Postecoglou arrived at Nottingham Forest amidst a wave of anticipation and praise, but nearly six games into his tenure, he is still chasing that elusive first victory. His situation is reminiscent of trying to teach a goldfish to fetch—ambitious but perhaps a touch unfair to the fish. Since taking the reins just a month ago, after the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, the Australian coach is yet to celebrate a win in the Premier League. Currently, Forest sits just one point above the relegation zone following a recent loss to Newcastle, and the pressure is beginning to mount.
Pressure from Supporters
The frustration among fans is palpable; they yearn for the attacking style that characterized Nuno’s time at the club. Last season’s unexpected European qualification has only intensified the contrast between those past achievements and the current rocky start. With no matches scheduled until October 18 and a looming clash with Chelsea, Postecoglou at least has the international break to refine his ideas and strategies.
Mixed Reactions from Experts
The criticism of Postecoglou has been notable, especially from high-profile former England striker Chris Sutton. During a discussion on Monday night football, Sutton expressed his confusion over the intensity of the fan backlash so early in the season. He highlighted that it is quite rare for a manager’s reputation to suffer so dramatically after only six matches. According to Sutton, there is an “entitlement element” from supporters, stemming from Forest’s rapid rise under Nuno and their fondness for his style. He cautioned that if attitudes do not shift, Postecoglou’s stint might become a short-lived experiment, which he believes would be unjust.
On the other hand, former Spurs winger Matt Le Tissier advocated for patience. He emphasized that any new manager, especially one with a progressive philosophy like Postecoglou’s, deserves adequate time to establish his vision. Former Wolves center-back Conor Coady added an insightful reminder about the complexities of tactical transformation. He pointed out that Nuno’s counter-attacking style, which relied on quick transitions and wide players like Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, is fundamentally different from Postecoglou’s possession-based, high-press approach. Transitioning from one system to another in just seven matches is akin to learning a new language overnight.
Time for Development
With most of the squad enjoying a brief respite from international duty, Postecoglou can now work more closely with players who remain on-site. These training sessions could be crucial before Chelsea visits on October 18. If Postecoglou can effectively instill his principles and stimulate an uptick in performances, that one-point cushion above the relegation battle may become more comfortable.
As the October 18th date approaches, Forest fans can take solace in the fact that even Chelsea might soon be left to ponder whether the Tricky Trees have finally found their roots. However, it is vital to remember that such growth will not happen overnight; patience will be essential as the team begins to adjust.