Rafa Benitez on Nottingham Forest Retainer; Ange Postecoglou Future Already Bleak

Rafael Benitez is reportedly being lined up as the next Nottingham Forest manager if Ange Postecoglou succumbs to the pressure.

Postecoglou is facing serious questions from his own club’s fans following a dreadful start to his career as boss at the City Ground.

The same fans who got emotional after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked are now demanding Postecoglou’s head with “sacked in the morning” chants already being bellowed at grounds around the country.

Postecoglou is yet to win a game as manager of his new club and that has sparked nerves among the fanbase and doubt within the club’s hierarchy, if reports are to be believed.

Forest president Evangelos Marinakis and Postecoglou may be friends, but that will not have stopped the chief from doing his due diligence and planning ahead for what still may come.

Rafa Benitez may replace Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest

And that sees Spanish coach Benitez inserted into the frame with long-term plans being put together, according to journalist Luca Chianti on X, formerly Twitter.

He claims Benitez is being kept on retainer by Forest in a bid to prevent the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid head coach from taking a role anywhere else in the short-term in case the Premier League side need him.

He reports: “Notts Forest have Spanish coach Rafa Benitez on retainer agreement for their Manager role.

“Deal was agreed last week that Benitez would receive payment to not take another role so he’s available if #NFFC need him.

“Interesting development against the current backdrop.”

Benitez is a top operator in this country and has proven his credentials time and again by winning six trophies with English clubs throughout a successful management career to date.

His potential arrival would herald a new pathway for Forest who still have European football to compete in this term thanks to Nuno’s exploits last term.

Rafa Benitez managerial history and success

Benitez, 65, has experience winning silverware on the Euro stage with a Champions League and Europa League winners’ medal in his cabinet at home.

Of course, Postecoglou also has a Europa League trophy in his back pocket but Benitez has been more consistent.

News of Benitez’s alleged deal with Forest will come as a disappointment to other clubs who are on the lookout for a new boss.

Rangers just sacked Russell Martin and have previously held brief discussions with Benitez over a possible takeover at Ibrox as head coach.

Only recently, another manager in Scottish football revealed how he had asked Rafa about Rangers.

Morton boss Dougie Imrie said: “To speak to a guy like Rafa, who has managed at so many top clubs, and have a personal chat with him was refreshing.

“He said he had heard the (Rangers) speculation but that is as far as he went.”