Ange Postecoglou has been appointed as the new head coach of Nottingham Forest, succeeding Nuno Espírito Santo. The Australian manager, known for his attacking football philosophy, returns to the Premier League just months after his departure from Tottenham. Postecoglou's contract with Forest is set to run until 2027.
Postecoglou's appointment comes after a breakdown in the relationship between Forest's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, and Nuno Espírito Santo. Marinakis has previously expressed admiration for Postecoglou. According to Marinakis, Postecoglou has a proven record of winning trophies and the experience of coaching teams at the highest level. Marinakis believes that Postecoglou's desire to build something special with Forest makes him the right person to help the club achieve its ambitions.
Postecoglou's arrival signals a potential tactical shift for Nottingham Forest. While Nuno was known for a more pragmatic and cautious approach, Postecoglou favors high-intensity pressing and expansive, attacking football. This change in philosophy reflects the club's ambition to not only compete in Europe but also challenge for domestic honors. Marinakis stated that after gaining promotion to the Premier League and securing European football, the club must now take the next step to compete with the best and fight for trophies. He believes that Postecoglou has the credentials and track record to achieve this.
Postecoglou's previous managerial roles include successful spells at Brisbane Roar and Yokohama F. Marinos, where he won league titles. He also managed Celtic, where he won the domestic double in his first season and the treble in his second. In his first season with Tottenham, Postecoglou led the team to a fifth-place finish and secured their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League. Despite this success, he was dismissed shortly after.
In his first interview as Nottingham Forest's head coach, Postecoglou expressed his excitement and humility. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with managing a club with great history and recent success. Postecoglou stated that Forest has real ambitions, which is important to him, and that the club has an exciting squad. He also noted the strong unity within the club, which he believes is essential for success. Postecoglou emphasized that he has never put limits on what he wants to achieve and that he has been fortunate to have success throughout his career, allowing him to take the next step.
Nottingham Forest will compete in the Premier League for a fourth consecutive season and in the Europa League for the first time since the mid-1990s. Postecoglou believes that this is an exciting time for the club and its supporters. He recognizes that the club has achieved an outstanding feat in a short period of time, going from winning promotion to competing in Europe. Postecoglou senses that the club wants more, which aligns with his own ambitions, making it a great opportunity for him.
The appointment of Postecoglou has generated discussion about whether his "Angeball" tactics, characterized by attractive, attacking football, will work at Nottingham Forest. Some believe that Postecoglou's style might neglect the defensive side of the game and impact player fitness, while others within his former Spurs camp disagree. Postecoglou's first match in charge will be a Premier League trip to Arsenal.
