Taking over from a team hero was always going to be a challenging assignment, but the previous manager managed to pull off a shrewd strategy after Steve Cooper’s departure: securing victories in his first two fixtures. Much is forgotten about the opening six months of his tenure, when the team survived just one position above the drop zone and went through a period of taking victory in only once in 10 top-flight games.
Nuno had done the crucial job of raising team spirit and gaining the backing of the fans by defeating Newcastle away and generating excitement by overcoming Manchester United at home, and no one was calling for style points. The home stadium was buzzing in late December 2023, and home fans did not mind that they saw only two more wins there for the rest of the campaign.
The club supporters demand the manager axe after less than a month following continental defeat.
The Australian coach is yet to taste a win, making him the first Forest manager in a century to be unable to win any of their first six games. There was a toxic atmosphere at the City Ground on the recent matchday as they succumbed to the runner-up team in Denmark. When fans are demanding your sacking after three weeks, it is reasonable to say things are not going well. On the next day there were no plans to fire the manager but a loss at St James’ Park on the weekend could end his position.
Everyone at the organization understood there would be a period of transition because the Australian’s tactical approach is virtually a polar opposite to the one Nuno carefully developed there. The plan was developing under the former coach but not at the pace the new boss is attempting to introduce.
Beginning with a series of road matches was consistently going to be a tough challenge for Postecoglou. Kicking off at Arsenal meant generating positive energy from the first whistle was unlikely but suffering a defeat at Swansea in the Carabao Cup and tying at another opponent put him on the defensive. The game at Real Betis appeared to be a positive shift because the showing was strong and in line with anticipations regarding Postecoglou’s style. The methods were sound and, but for a last-minute opposing player goal, success would have commenced.
However Forest remain stuck. If Postecoglou could have been forgiven for the performances on the road, losing at their stadium to a visiting team and a European side was not part of the plan. There was a element of explanation in the first City Ground loss: a generous set-piece award that resulted in the decisive goal and appalling finishing from Forest meant the points went back to the north-east. Forest had nearly two-thirds of possession and multiple attempts but beating an opponent on expected goals is meaningless.
Ange Postecoglou and Neco Williams will want to turn Nottingham Forest’s fortunes around at the next venue on Sunday.
There was a belief that once the forwards found form, all aspects would be fine but poor finishing is only a single of the problems facing Postecoglou. The solid defensive unit built by Nuno has been dismantled, leaving him still waiting for a clean sheet. Stopping set pieces has been problematic, two of the opponent’s goals coming from them, and the remaining goal Forest let in was from a fast break, the sort that were a regular feature during his time at Tottenham.
Postecoglou was keen to get back to management quickly after being dismissed by Tottenham, particularly with a European winner’s medal around his neck. He wanted to prove people wrong and Forest presented that chance, with the extra incentive of being in the tournament he had won in May. The Hellenic connection with Forest’s owner, the club’s chief, facilitated make the appointment straightforward and the manager, in spite of his critics, possesses the credentials required – but practicality was unlikely to be part of the equation.
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Nuno was never fired for sporting reasons but for initiating a dispute with Marinakis that he was not going to prevail in. Ending up seventh and guiding Forest into continental competition made him extremely popular. In spite of his complaints, a squad capable of finishing in the upper section was put together and plenty of money was invested. After far too much immediate thinking at Forest, they had a defined long-term vision and approach, which included a squad that fit Nuno. Now it feels as if a stepdad has moved into the home and the residents are displeased.
Trips to one opponent and another rival frame the home game of Chelsea in the upcoming trio of league fixtures, suggesting life is only going to get more difficult. The owner made the appointment with his emotions and is desperately wishing to avoid another sacking because removing Postecoglou would be an acknowledgment that he made two terrible decisions in dismissing Nuno and choosing the successor. The sport is one big public approval contest and Nuno began winning his at the away ground. Postecoglou needs to do the same or he risks losing his permanently.
