External expectations Won't Affect Me, Says Confident Postecoglou
Forest manager Ange Postecoglou insists that external scrutiny regarding his position will not influence his methodology.
The team remains winless in his initial half-dozen matches since the coach took over from Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
A group of Forest supporters chanted, "you're getting sacked in the morning", at the ex- Tottenham and Celtic boss following the recent 3-2 Europa League loss at home to the Danish side.
Postecoglou's Reaction to Pressure
Postecoglou, however, mentioned that the Europa League trophy he secured at Tottenham last season, before being dismissed in the off-season, was evidence he does not let external factors to affect his management.
"It doesn't enter my head," he continued. "My responsibility involves ensuring this football club progresses and gets to a level where it can challenge for things," stated Postecoglou.
"Should I begin putting timelines to that or stress over what is occurring soon then I am not performing the position I have been assigned.
"I just don't think it is beneficial to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the atmosphere, the practice sessions, the style of play, and as I mentioned recently, I am still extremely confident in my conviction that we are close to success.
"Put it this way - I was aware I was being dismissed at Tottenham approximately 3-4 months prior to I did, but that didn't stop me from winning something."
Professional History
The veteran coach joined Spurs from Celtic in 2023 and supporters at first warmed to the coach for his offensive playing style, with the Londoners finishing fifth in the English top flight during his first season.
Postecoglou's following season was challenging as Spurs ended 17th in the table. He did, however, guide the team to their first trophy in nearly two decades as they beat Manchester United in the European final.
Current Circumstances
Forest visit Newcastle United on the weekend (14:00 BST).
Amid the unfavorable streak of outcomes, there is no denying it has been a challenging beginning for Postecoglou.
And the numbers demonstrate just how poor Forest have been since his appointment.
Performance Breakdown
- In Postecoglou's six matches, they have lost on four occasions across three different competitions
- No top-flight team has lost as numerous games as Forest since his hiring
- They have conceded 13 goals - at a rate of over two per game
- Only Manchester United and Burnley have a poorer goals conceded per game average than Forest since Postecoglou's arrival
- Unexpectedly, it is the 35th occurrence in which a top-flight manager has failed to win in any of first six matches in every tournament
Historical Perspective
Paul Jewell maintains the record, having not won in his first 27 games as Derby County boss in the 2007-2008 season.
Nuno was dismissed after just three matches of this season when Forest were 10th in the table. They are now 17th, having drawn one and lost two of their three league matches under Postecoglou.
He is the initial full-time Forest coach in 100 years not to win his first six fixtures.
Fan Viewpoint
This campaign should have been one of Nottingham Forest's finest in recent times. Qualification for Europe for the initial occasion in three decades, the best squad this millennium and everyone at the club working towards the same direction.
Somehow, currently, that has completely vanished away. Nuno has left, performances have been poor and on Thursday night the stadium turned on the recent appointment Ange Postecoglou after only six games.
And yet it's typically classic Forest, a club that shifts from success to internal crisis like a learner driver who fails to remain in a traffic line.
Upcoming Challenges
Amid fixtures against the Magpies, Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and the Red Devils coming up, it's very hard to say if he can turn it around before it becomes increasingly negative.
But ask any supporter and they'll tell you the same, it's never dull at Nottingham Forest.