Ange Postecoglou has just joined Nottingham Forest, which appears to be one of the most confusing managerial appointments supporters of the beautiful game have seen in recent years.
After the abrupt sacking of Nuno Espírito Santo, who had guided Forest to European qualification the previous year through a pragmatic, counter-attacking approach that emphasised a deep defensive block and quick transitions.
Postecoglou signed a two-year contract and inherits a squad sitting 10th in the table with four points from their opening matches (one win, one draw, one loss). His first game in charge is against Arsenal on September 13, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium.
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Postecoglou’s move to Forest follows a turbulent two-year stint at Tottenham Hotspur (2023-2025), where he delivered the club’s first trophy in 17 years by winning the 2025 UEFA Europa League—beating Manchester United in the final—but oversaw a dismal 17th-place finish in the Premier League that season, marred by injuries and defensive frailties. Yet, the Australian has assembled essentially the same coaching team that caused him so many issues at Tottenham!
There looks to be a tactical mismatch about to get underway. Nuno built Forest around a low-block, counter-attacking system that yielded one of the league’s best defences last season. Postecoglou’s high defensive line exposed Tottenham to counters, leading to heavy defeats (e.g., 4-1 to Chelsea in 2023). Forest’s current roster—strong in transitions but less suited to sustained possession—may struggle initially, potentially leading to a “long season” of conceding 3–4 goals per game.
One poster on Facebook wrote:
So we still haven’t replaced Ellanga. Nuno doesn’t know how to play any other way than low block with a counterattack. The players we have don’t have any pace. We’re doomed.
Perhaps this view is an atypical one, but for many Tottenham fans, who sat through all 22 of the losses, it will surely be easy to acknowledge as a probable reality. Ange has said himself, ‘
Postecoglou acknowledged in his unveiling: “They’re not going to like me from the first day—that’s something I’ve got to earn.”
Players may resist the ideological shift, and early results (like an uncompromising, tough Arsenal opener) could test loyalty.
Postecoglou’s Spurs tenure showed vulnerabilities in a congested schedule, with injuries crippling his high-intensity style. Forest’s bloated squad (from recent signings) and points deduction history add pressure. If he repeats Tottenham’s league woes, even European success might not save him—Spurs sacked him despite the Europa win.
