Pressure Doesn't Affect Me, Affirms Confident Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou insists that any pressure regarding his role will not influence his approach.
The team is without a victory in his first six matches since the Australian took over from Nuno Espirito Santo at the club's stadium.
A section of Forest fans chanted, "you're getting sacked in the morning", towards the ex- Tottenham and Celtic boss following Thursday's 3-2 Europa League defeat at home to the Danish side.
Postecoglou's Response to Criticism
Postecoglou, though, stated that the Europa League trophy he secured at Tottenham the previous campaign, before being sacked in the summer, was proof he does not let external factors to affect his coaching.
"It doesn't enter my head," he continued. "My responsibility lies in making sure this team progresses and reaches a level where it can challenge for things," stated Postecoglou.
"Should I begin putting timelines to that or stress over what is going to happen next week then I am not fulfilling the role I have been assigned.
"I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to focus on the environment, the training, the way we play, and as I said last night, I am still extremely confident in my belief that we are close to success.
"To explain - I knew I was being dismissed at Tottenham approximately three or four months prior to I did, but that didn't prevent me from winning something."
Professional Background
The 60-year-old joined Spurs from Celtic in 2023 and fans initially embraced the coach for his attacking style of play, with the London club finishing 5th in the Premier League during his first season.
Postecoglou's following season was challenging as Spurs ended 17th in the table. He nevertheless, guide the team to their initial silverware in 17 years as they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Current Situation
Forest visit Newcastle United on Sunday (2pm UK time).
With the current unfavorable streak of outcomes, there is little doubt it has been a difficult start for Postecoglou.
And the statistics demonstrate just how poor Forest have performed since his arrival.
Statistical Analysis
- In Postecoglou's six matches, they have lost on four occasions across multiple competitions
- No Premier League team has been defeated in as many matches as Forest since his appointment
- They have conceded thirteen scores - at a rate of over two per game
- Only Manchester United and Burnley have a poorer goals conceded per game record than Forest since Postecoglou's appointment
- Unexpectedly, it is the 35th instance in which a Premier League manager has failed to win in their initial six matches in all competitions
Record Context
Paul Jewell maintains the record, having not won in his initial twenty-seven games as Derby County manager in the 2007-2008 campaign.
Nuno was fired after just three matches of this campaign when Forest were tenth in the table. They are currently seventeenth, having tied once and been defeated twice of their three domestic matches under Postecoglou.
He is the initial full-time Forest manager in 100 years not to win any of initial six matches.
Supporter Viewpoint
This season could have been one of Nottingham Forest's finest in modern history. Qualification for Europe for the initial occasion in three decades, the best squad this century and all involved working towards the common goal.
Somehow, currently, that has completely vanished out of the window. Nuno has left, displays have been abject and on Thursday night the stadium turned on the recent appointment Ange Postecoglou after only six matches.
However it's very much classic Forest, a team that veers from success to internal crisis like a novice motorist who can't stay in a traffic line.
Future Fixtures
With games against Newcastle, Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and the Red Devils approaching, it's very hard to say if he can turn it around before it becomes increasingly toxic.
But question any fan and they'll tell you the same, it's never dull at Nottingham Forest.
