How Ange Postecoglou Has Made Nottingham Forest So Much Worse in Under One Month

When Nottingham Forest appointed Ange Postecoglou on September 9, it was billed as a bold move — a shift from the pragmatism of Nuno Espirito Santo to the adventurous “Ange Ball” that had brought the Australian both acclaim and criticism at Tottenham. Four weeks later, that boldness already looks reckless.

Forest have played six times under their new head coach. They have not won a single match. The mood around the City Ground has darkened quickly, turning from early patience to outright hostility, with supporters chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during Thursday’s 3-2 home defeat by FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

This was Postecoglou’s second match in Nottingham — coming five days after a 1-0 defeat by Sunderland. Nuno’s name was sung from the stands nostalgically during Thursday’s game.

Ange Postecoglou’s start at Nottingham Forest the worst in a century

The raw numbers are damning. Forest’s new boss has presided over four defeats and two draws — the worst start by any permanent manager in more than 100 years. Not since 1925 has a Forest coach failed to win any of his opening six fixtures.

Results alone do not always tell the full story, but in this case the evidence is hard to ignore. Forest have conceded 13 goals in those six outings, including six from set pieces. The vulnerability that haunted Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign has followed him to the East Midlands. Against Midtjylland, two corners were converted with ease.

At the other end, Forest have been more enterprising, often creating plenty of chances. They hit 22 shots in that Europa League tie. But the same flaw that undermined Spurs is evident again — defensive frailty that outweighs attacking intent.

Tactical stubbornness a big problem for Big Ange

Postecoglou’s philosophy is well known. He likes a high line, expansive build-up and attacking full-backs. It was briefly exhilarating at Spurs — until it wasn’t — while it also left them repeatedly exposed. Forest, with a squad assembled for a very different style, look even less equipped to execute Ange Ball.

Key defenders have been missing — Ola Aina is yet to feature under Postecoglou, while Murillo has limped off early in each of his two appearances under the new boss. Even so, the gaps are glaring. Opposition sides know that corners, free kicks and quick counters are enough to unsettle Forest.

The Australian has so far shown no inclination to compromise. As he insisted in his first press conference, he will not deviate from pure Ange Ball. That stubbornness might be admirable in principle, but in practice it has turned Forest from a difficult team to break down under Nuno into one of the league’s softest touches in under a month.

Nottingham Forest fans already losing patience with Ange Postecoglou

Supporters who dreamed of European glory nights have instead been served disarray. The City Ground, so often a cauldron, was subdued for long stretches against Midtjylland, until the visitors’ decisive third goal prompted open revolt.

Chants backing Nuno and mocking Postecoglou made it clear that much of the goodwill has already evaporated.

Postecoglou shrugged off the reaction afterwards, telling TNT Sports: “I heard it. They’re fans, they want to see their team win and they’re entitled to their opinion. Nothing surprises me in football any more.”

That defiance is typical, but it does little to ease the tension. With Forest already drifting towards the bottom of the Premier League and odds shortening by the week on him being the next manager sacked, the pressure is mounting.

Forest’s hierarchy may be reluctant to act so soon. Postecoglou signed a two-year contract worth around £3 million a season, with an extra £1m in bonuses. Cutting him loose now could cost the club upwards of £5 million in compensation.

But the financial calculation may shift if results do not improve quickly. The upcoming fixtures are daunting — Newcastle, Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Man United are Forest’s next five opponents — and the international break looms as a natural moment for change.

Can Ange Postecoglou turn things around at Nottingham Forest?

It is still early — just six games into a reign that began with only one full training session before a trip to Arsenal. Injuries, a crowded schedule and a squad still adjusting all offer mitigation. Postecoglou is confident results will come, that Forest are “on the right track” and that once uncertainty passes, progress will follow.

The problem is that familiar flaws are already entrenched. Forest have gone from solidity to fragility almost overnight.

Unless Postecoglou adapts quickly, it is very unlikely that he will get the chance to continue his proud record of winning something in his second season.