External expectations Doesn't Enter My Head, Affirms Confident Postecoglou
Forest manager Ange Postecoglou insists that any pressure regarding his position will not impact his methodology.
The team remains winless in his initial half-dozen matches since the coach replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the club's stadium.
A group of Forest fans chanted, "you're getting sacked in the morning", at the ex- Tottenham and Celtic boss following Thursday's 3-2 European loss at their ground to Midtjylland.
The Manager's Response to Criticism
Postecoglou, however, stated that the European title he won at Tottenham last season, before being dismissed in the summer, was proof he does not allow pressure to impact his management.
"I don't think about it," he added. "My duty lies in ensuring this team progresses and reaches a position where it can compete for titles," said Postecoglou.
"If I start setting deadlines to that or worry about what is occurring soon then I am not performing the position I have been assigned.
"I believe it is beneficial to anybody. Ultimately, I have to focus on the atmosphere, the practice sessions, the style of play, and as I mentioned last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.
"Put it this way - I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about 3-4 months before I was, but that didn't stop me from securing a trophy."
Career Background
The veteran coach joined Spurs from Celtic in 2023 and supporters at first warmed to the coach for his attacking playing style, with the London club finishing 5th in the English top flight during his debut campaign.
Postecoglou's second term was more difficult as Spurs finished 17th in the standings. He nevertheless, lead the team to their first trophy in nearly two decades as they defeated Manchester United in the European final.
Current Situation
Forest visit Newcastle United on the weekend (14:00 BST).
With the current poor run of results, there is no denying it has been a challenging start for Postecoglou.
And the numbers illustrate just how poor Forest have performed since his appointment.
Performance Breakdown
- In Postecoglou's six matches, they have been beaten four times across three different competitions
- No Premier League team has been defeated in as numerous games as Forest since his hiring
- They have allowed 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 appointment
- Unexpectedly, it is the 35th occurrence in which a Premier League manager has failed to win in their initial six fixtures in every tournament
Record Context
Paul Jewell holds the unenviable mark, having failed to win in his initial twenty-seven matches as Derby County boss in the 2007/08 season.
Nuno was dismissed after only three fixtures of this campaign when Forest were tenth in the standings. They are currently seventeenth, having tied once and been defeated twice of their three league matches under Postecoglou.
He is the initial full-time Forest coach in a century not to secure a victory in his first six matches.
Fan Perspective
This season should have been one of Nottingham Forest's best in recent times. Qualification for Europe for the first time in 30 years, the best squad this millennium and all involved working towards the common goal.
Unexpectedly, currently, that has completely vanished away. Nuno has left, performances have been abject and on Thursday night the City Ground criticized the recent appointment Ange Postecoglou after just six matches.
And yet it's typically characteristic Forest, a team that veers from achievement to self-made disaster like a learner driver who can't stay in a traffic line.
Future Challenges
With games against the Magpies, the Blues, the Portuguese side, the Cherries and Manchester United coming up, it's quite difficult to predict if he can reverse the situation before it becomes increasingly toxic.
But question any supporter and they'll tell you the identical thing, it's never dull at Nottingham Forest.