Will Postecoglou 'double down' on football principles?published at 08:52 BST
08:52 BST
Image source, PA Media
BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray does not expect Ange Postecoglou to deviate too far from his core football principles as he searches for his first win in charge of Nottingham Forest.
Forest have drawn twice and lost their other five matches since the former Tottenham boss succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground in September.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Sunday, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart spoke of Postecoglou "doubling down" on his philosophy after a difficult start to his reign at Celtic before achieving title success with the Scottish Premiership club.
On the latest episode of Shut Up And Show More Football, Fray said: "It's a good insight from somebody who has been in the dressing room with Postecoglou. It's informed and insightful comment.
"And based on what he [Postecoglou] has said since he's been at Forest, it's unlikely you're going to see much change. We have seen change from him slightly; he's gone to a back three, he's done stuff that you perhaps might not expect, and along the way there have been some positives.
"But he knows more than anybody else that he needs to get a win.
"I don't think he'll change. To use Joe Hart's words, he'll double down and say 'this is the way, this is what we do', and he will hope that results come along."
Gossip: Murillo in Chelsea's sightspublished at 07:57 BST
07:57 BST
Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo is one of the names at the top of Chelsea's list of targets as they look to strengthen defensively. (Football Insider, external)
🎧 Shut Up And Show More Footballpublished at 17:47 BST 9 October
17:47 BST 9 October
The latest episode of Shut Up And Show More Football is available now - BBC Radio Nottingham's David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss the latest from the City Ground.
They reflect on Forest's two defeats since the most recent podcast and what those results have meant for Ange Postecoglou, who is still awaiting his first win since taking charge.
Cunha one of the positives amid the 'noise'published at 14:13 BST 7 October
14:13 BST 7 October
Pat Riddell Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There is a lot of noise around Nottingham Forest at the moment, for obvious reasons, which means the progress of numerous summer signings has been somewhat overlooked.
The 13 transfer window signings arrived with great fanfare but many have yet to really make their mark, with the incumbent squad amassing greater game time as they are eased into the season.
Igor Jesus made an impact with a double against both Swansea City and Real Betis, and another call-up to the Brazil squad confirms his presence.
On Sunday, his compatriot Jair Cunha made an assured first-team start against Newcastle United. The result obviously did not go our way, but it was one of the few positives.
Injuries to full-backs Ola Aina and Oleksandr Zinchenko have given an opportunity to Nicolo Savona, and while he has shown glimpses of potential, time is needed to develop understanding there, as well as whether he is better suited to playing as part of a back three.
Loanee Douglas Luiz has impressed in the little time we have seen before injury, while the big money signings Omar Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa, James McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo will presumably feature more prominently in the weeks to come.
Dan Ndoye, who arrived in time for pre-season training, has gained more game time, but that extra time is often key. It is easy to judge players from their YouTube highlights. It is even easier to judge them before they have settled into a new club in a new country.
Some obviously take no time in fitting in - Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Elliot Anderson - but that pre-season time can be all-important. Others take time to adapt, even if they have Premier League experience.
With the club as it is at the moment, it is hardly an ideal time to be settling into an unsettled environment. But a few weeks ago, we were concerned about the lack of cover at centre-back; Cunha offers some reassurance there.
Time is something all new signings need – and it is something the international break offers.
'I don't see it ending well for Postecoglou' - Suttonpublished at 08:14 BST 7 October
08:14 BST 7 October
Media caption,
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says he does not "see it ending well for Ange Postecoglou" because "I can't see Forest fans changing their mind about him".
The Nottingham Forest boss was jeered by his own fans after just six games in charge, following the defeat at Newcastle.
"Nottingham Forest fans loved Nuno Espirito Santo and they love Evangelos Marinakis because he is a very hands-on owner," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "He is visible so they absolutely adore him.
"But he has made this decision so there needs to be an element of patience.
"Any manager needs time. He has barely been in the job for four weeks!
"But having said that, I don't see it ending well for Postecoglou because I can't see Forest fans changing their mind about him.
"It is deeply unfair and sums up where we are in the game now, in terms of it being short-term and going off what people think."
Gossip: Forest eye Silvapublished at 07:40 BST 7 October
07:40 BST 7 October
Fulham manager Marco Silva is a long-term target for Nottingham Forest should they sack Ange Postecoglou, though an approach for the Portuguese is unlikely to happen before the end of the season. (Mail), external
'Give Postecoglou time' - Earnshawpublished at 15:50 BST 6 October
15:50 BST 6 October
Image source, Getty Images
Former Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw told BBC Radio 5 Live that fans need to give Ange Postecoglou time to make a difference.
The new Forest boss is winless in his first seven games in all competitions and will now have the international break to consolidate his ideas and recover injured players.
"A few years ago, Forest were seventh from bottom in the Championship and now they're playing in Europe and that's under his [Evangelos Marinakis] ownership," said Earnshaw. "Yes, they have had lots of managers because Marinakis has moved and changed them.
"I think this is probably the worst one as he probably didn't want Nuno Espirito Santo to go actually, but he had to almost make the decision.
"Nuno is very popular in Nottingham, they love him, but they also love Marinakis, so that whole fall out was the fans caught in the middle thinking, 'we love both of these, what's going on, we don't want this, we want both of you to get on.'
"So, I just think we've got to give the respect to Ange Postecoglou, just to give him time, because he's only been there three and a half weeks.
"He's got to start winning for sure, but I also think he's got a bit of extra time."
'If they sack him, someone must be held responsible for hiring him' - Rooneypublished at 14:09 BST 6 October
14:09 BST 6 October
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says he is concerned for Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou's future.
Speaking on the The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said Postecoglou deserved more time to implement his ideas following Nuno Espirito Santo's departure, and questioned the club's hierarchy for creating instability so early in the season.
The former forward believes Postecoglou has shown promising signs despite poor results.
"It's crazy. All the rumours that you're hearing is Ange could get sacked, and he's had what, six or seven games," Rooney said. "It's absolutely crazy. And I like Ange. I think he's a good manager. He obviously struggled in the league with Tottenham last season and then won the Europa League, and it was strange.
"Obviously, Nuno getting sacked at Forest and they've brought Ange in, so if he does get sacked, I'm not hearing anyone talking about the ownership, and decisions they're making. They're the ones making the decision. So, if they do sack him, someone has to be responsible for hiring him.
"The difficulty he's got is the style Nuno played to what Ange wants to play is completely different.
"I watched him against Burnley. I thought Forest were very good and against Real Betis in the Europa League, I thought they were very good in that game as well. He's been unlucky on a couple of occasions.
"The Forest fans really like Nuno, and it doesn't look like they're willing to give Ange time."
International break 'precious' for Postecogloupublished at 10:41 BST 6 October
10:41 BST 6 October
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Can Ange Postecoglou turn things around at Nottingham Forest and mould a winning side in his image?
The manager and his staff, like other top-flight bosses competing in European competitions, have had little time to work with players on the training pitches given the relentless nature of the schedule.
Douglas Luiz, Murillo and Oleksandr Zinchenko are among those players Postecoglou feels need more training time.
He has identified the upcoming two-week international break as an "important" period for those who are not travelling to play for their countries.
Such time is precious, but it is particularly crucial when shifting from one style to another - as Joe Hart knows well, after their time together at Celtic.
"We were probably five, six or seven games into the season - having had a pre-season - before we were really flowing, understanding what he wants us to do and having confidence in it," the former goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Ange is a big man and he understands what he walked into."
Postecoglou certainly did not appear crestfallen after Forest's latest defeat against Newcastle.
After staying out to applaud the away end at full-time, he deadpanned that his situation was "a lost cause" when asked if he could turn things around with time.
"It's a fight and it's a struggle," he said. "So what? That's OK. If people outside or even internally don't think I'm the right person, it makes no difference to me.
"I took this role on knowing it would be a massive challenge with what we were trying to do in terms of changing the direction of the club. Nothing I've seen in the last three and a half weeks has changed my view on that.
"I love the challenge of taking this club to where it needs to be and I'm very confident of getting there."
Davey: It might not have been flowing football or particularly stylish, but winning games like this is essential to pushing for another Champions League qualification. We're still adapting to a new style of forward in the middle, but we were pretty solid in defence and our midfield wasn't bad either. Sandro Tonali was my man of the match - he never stops battling.
Bob: A good performance all round but one that might go under the radar is that of Anthony Gordon who was greatly improved. Malick Thiaw also looked solid alongside Sven Botman - a promising partnership there.
Andrew: A game of two halves. In the first half, we looked a bit disjointed. Maybe the pressure of a much-needed win was getting to the team. In the second half, we found some rhythm, created some great chances and deserved more than the two goals in the end. We need to build on the last two games.
Simon: A good solid performance across the team. It was tough to break down the Forest defence and their keeper kept them in the game. Good goal from Bruno Guimaraes and an excellent penalty from Nick Woltemade. Well earned three points.
Forest fans
Mike: I can see exactly what Ange Postecoglou is trying to do and the fanbase need to cut him some slack. I agree that results have not gone his way so far but he had a hard act to follow and in these crazy times he deserves some support. The real problem lies in the ownership and letting Nuno Espirito Santo go which could or maybe will prove catastrophic. Onwards and upwards. We will get better.
Matt: Some improvement but is it enough? I doubt it. Matz Sels brilliance aside it could have been three or four and then it would be a foregone conclusion. As nice a man as Ange comes across as, he's not for Forest and I think it's just a matter of time.
Adam: First half I thought we played well and did a good job. Second half Newcastle out on more pressure and it paid off. I'd like to say things are starting to improve but Newcastle have been poor so far this season as well so it's hardly a good result. I'd happily take Steve Cooper back to be honest.
Graham: I keep refreshing the BBC site, hoping for the news we all want to come. Sadly it has not.
'Bigger problem' at Forest than Postecogloupublished at 08:18 BST 6 October
08:18 BST 6 October
Image source, Mirror and Star
Former Premier League goalkeeper David James believes Ange Postecoglou has inherited a Nottingham Forest side with "problems" that were masked by Matz Sels' brilliance last season.
The defeat by Newcastle means Postecoglou has failed to win any of his first seven games in all competitions and Forest have conceded an average of more than two goals per match.
"If it had not have been for Sels, it could have been a five-goal defeat easily," said James on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Last season, he was outstanding and they would never have got to where they did if they had a lesser goalkeeper.
"But if the goalkeeper is having to play that well through the course of the season, then there is a problem with who is in front of him.
"Postecoglou was not there then so there is a bigger problem for him to deal with.
"He hasn't got the comfort of a transfer window right now, but they need to let him get to one."
Analysis: A more pragmatic Postecogloupublished at 17:19 BST 5 October
17:19 BST 5 October
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Ange Postecoglou smiled as he greeted security staff and walked through the players' entrance after getting off the team bus before this game.
But, in truth, the Nottingham Forest manager has had little to be happy about of late after seeing his side concede 15 goals and fail to win any of his opening seven games in charge.
Having been subjected to taunts from a section of his own supporters on Thursday night, something had to change against Newcastle and it was rather telling that Postecoglou shook up his backline and handed captain Ryan Yates, Nicolo Savona and Jair Cunha their first Premier League starts of the season.
The Australian stressed the importance of staying switched on and making it difficult for Newcastle - and Nottingham Forest defended manfully before going behind.
Morato throwing his way in front of a shot from Woltemade inside the box to prevent a certain goal at 0-0 epitomised that defend-at-all costs mentality.
But Nottingham Forest never truly looked like getting back into this game once Guimaraes opened the scoring.
Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest: What Postecoglou saidpublished at 16:25 BST 5 October
16:25 BST 5 October
Media caption,
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their defeat to Newcastle: "It is always a difficult game to navigate up here with the atmosphere and the stadium. I thought for the most part we handled it pretty well. We nullified their main threats for the most part. We were always dangerous going the other way. We had some big moments we didn't capitalise on and when you don't the game gets away from you.
"The chances we did create I felt we could have executed them better. They created some chances towards the end when they opened up. It is the little moments in games that we are not capitalising on that is costing us."
On the challenge he is facing: "I knew it was a big challenge walking in. There is nothing wrong with that. I don't get why people think it is a burden but I love a challenge. The alternative is sitting at home watching the game and I don't want to do that.
"We just have to get the results now and we have two weeks to get it right. If people want to assess me three-and-a-half weeks in there is nothing I can say that will change that. What I have seen and felt in this period is that we are heading in the direction I want us to. The results will come in the meantime it is a struggle and a fight and there is nothing wrong with that. We don't want things handed on plate we have to fight for it, I have fought for things all my life."
Did you know?
Nottingham Forest have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 15 Premier League games, their joint-longest run since returning to the competition in 2022 (also 15 from Feb-May 2023).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Brighton", for instance.
Nottingham Forest have made four changes from the side who were defeated by Midtjylland.
Captain Ryan Yates, Nicolo Savona and Jair Cunha have been handed their first top-flight starts of the campaign by manager Ange Postecoglou while Chris Wood leads the line.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Nottingham Forestpublished at 10:02 BST 5 October
10:02 BST 5 October
Newcastle scored four goals in Belgium in midweek - the same number as they have managed in their first six league games.
Eddie Howe's side are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League, along with Villa and Wolves, so getting a big win like that will be important for them.
They have lost twice at home already, but that was to Arsenal and Liverpool, and on both occasions to late goals.
Yes, the Gunners were the better team on Sunday but Newcastle had lots of chances against Liverpool so they can definitely feel a bit hard done by.
I am expecting them to get more chances here, because I think this game will be really open with both teams going for it.
I am going to go with Newcastle to be wearing their shooting boots again, and keep Ange Postecoglou waiting for his first Premier League win.
Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:51 BST 4 October
12:51 BST 4 October
Newcastle are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time this term and face a Nottingham Forest side seemingly stuck in reverse. BBC Sport explores some key themes before Sunday's clash on Tyneside.
When Ange Postecoglou took the reins at Nottingham Forest a little over three weeks ago there were obvious questions about the logic of his appointment.
A coach wedded to high-pressing, possession-based principles was now in charge of a group drilled to sit in low blocks and counter attack under the more pragmatic Nuno Espirito Santo.
Winning over the fans was always going to take time given the popularity of his predecessor, as was the enormous shift of tactical styles. But not many would have foreseen such a poor start.
Postecoglou is the first permanent Forest manager in 100 years to go without a win in his opening six matches, with his fourth defeat coming at home to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday.
The first European fixture at the City Ground for 29 years promised to be a joyous occasion, but after the 3-2 loss Postecoglou was subjected to chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning" by the home support.
"The fans are disappointed. I heard their opinion," said Postecoglou. "I would prefer if people were optimistic in their outlook of what I'm doing. I can only change that by winning games of football."
Newcastle away is the next test for Postecoglou and his personal record at St. James' Park is two defeats from two previous visits with Spurs, including a 4-0 thrashing in April 2024. Forest's record is even worse – they've lost eight of their last nine visits to Tyneside, conceding 24 goals across in that time.
Are Newcastle clicking into gear?
Newcastle are heading into this weekend as the Premier League's joint-lowest scorers with just four goals so far. Six points from six games also represents their worst start to a season under head coach Eddie Howe.
But there is reason to believe that his side have started to click, especially if their midweek performance is anything to go by.
The Magpies recorded their biggest ever Champions League win with a 4-0 victory over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday. It was also their first away triumph in the competition for 22 years.
"Hopefully it helps us when we return to the Premier League because we've been waiting for a performance like that," said Howe after the match. "It wasn't perfect – there are things we can improve – but it was a big step in the right direction."
Anthony Gordon's brace of penalties underpinned the victory and he became the fifth player to score twice for Newcastle in a Champions League away game, following in the footsteps of three well-known forwards and a left-back.
There was also another goal for club record signing Nick Woltemade, although there were doubts about who got the final touch on Sandro Tonali's deflected effort.
The German striker has scored in his first two home Premier League appearances for Newcastle and could join an illustrious club this weekend if he can find the net again, with Les Ferdinand in 1995 and Shearer in 1996 the only players to score in their opening three at St James' Park.
Image source, PA Media
