Pressure is mounting on Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou as the wait for his first win continues following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday. The loss extends Forest's winless run to seven games in all competitions, leaving them hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th place with five points from seven league games.
The game against Newcastle saw Bruno Guimaraes score a brilliant goal in the 58th minute, curling a shot past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Guimaraes later won a penalty, which Nick Woltemade converted in the 82nd minute, sealing the victory for Newcastle.
Postecoglou, who replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as Forest boss on September 9, is now the first Forest manager since 1925 to fail to win any of his opening seven games. The Australian manager is also the first Forest boss since 1960 not to win any of his first four league games.
The pressure on Postecoglou was palpable even before the Newcastle game. In their previous match, a 3-2 Europa League home loss to Midtjylland, Forest fans were heard chanting, "You're getting sacked in the morning".
Despite the growing pressure, Postecoglou remains defiant. He stated that he is not overly concerned about his job security and is focused on improving the team's performance. "It's a valid assumption in modern football that there is always a manager that is under pressure. That's just part and parcel of what we do, but I don't think that way," Postecoglou said. He added that he knew he was going to be dismissed from Tottenham Hotspur months before it happened, but that didn't stop him from winning the Europa League.
Postecoglou has emphasized the need for time to implement his ideas and change the team's culture. He also pointed out that a lack of focus in key moments has cost them valuable points. "We are letting ourselves down in key areas in football that change football matches," he said.
Looking ahead, Postecoglou acknowledged the difficult challenge he faces, but remains determined to turn the situation around. "It is a struggle, it is a fight, there is nothing wrong with that," he said. "I could have been sat on the couch watching you guys, but I prefer to be here right in the middle of it, where I can have an effect and I believe I will".
Forest's next game after the international break will be crucial for Postecoglou as he seeks to secure his first win and alleviate the mounting pressure. The club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is known for making quick managerial changes, adding further intensity to the situation.
