Nottingham Forest Manager Ange Postecoglou Faces Fan Chants After 3-2 Europa League Loss

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou faces fan anger after a 3-2 loss, marking his worst start in 100 years. This is a big change from his previous success.
By Newsroom | Football, Nottingham |

Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Nottingham Forest has been marked by significant pressure from fans and mounting questions about his tactical approach. A string of poor results, particularly in the Europa League, has led to chants questioning his future and public admissions of doubt from the manager himself. The team's performance has failed to meet expectations, creating a challenging environment for Postecoglou.

Context

Ange Postecoglou was appointed manager of Nottingham Forest with the stated aim of implementing his tactical philosophy. However, early results have been troubling. A key moment occurred during a Europa League match against FC Midtjylland, which Forest lost 3-2. Following this defeat, fans at the City Ground directed "sacked in the morning" chants at the manager. This happened shortly after Postecoglou had been in the role for only 23 days, marking him with the worst start of any manager at the club in the last 100 years, with no wins in his first six matches. Despite the mounting pressure and negative fan reaction, Postecoglou has maintained that the team is "on the right track" and that fans are "entitled to have an opinion." He has also expressed confidence in his process and the players' engagement with his tactics, stating he has "not seen anything that they’re not onboard or trying to implement the stuff we’re talking about." However, external analysis suggests the team is struggling to execute his preferred expansive style, with defensive vulnerabilities and late arrivals on the field. The club's league position has also been a concern, with one report referencing a 17th-placed finish that "ultimately cost him his job" at a previous club, implying a potential pattern of performance issues.

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‘What was I thinking?’ Ange fesses up on Forest disaster, Europa League tactics - 1

Evidence of Fan Discontent and Managerial Response

The discontent among Nottingham Forest fans is clearly documented. Chants of "sacked in the morning" were audible during and after the loss to FC Midtjylland, as shown in multiple social media posts and news reports. This vocal backlash indicates a significant level of dissatisfaction with the team's current performance under Postecoglou.

‘What was I thinking?’ Ange fesses up on Forest disaster, Europa League tactics - 2

  • Fan Chants: Reports and video evidence confirm fans chanting "sacked in the morning" at Ange Postecoglou.

  • Postecoglou's Response: The manager acknowledged the chants, stating, "The fans are disappointed, they’re entitled to have an opinion on it and I heard their opinion." He also expressed belief in his process and that the team is progressing, despite the results.

Tactical Doubts and Performance Gaps

Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of Postecoglou's tactics, especially in relation to the team's on-field execution. While Postecoglou maintains faith in his approach and the players' understanding, observations suggest a disconnect.

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  • Defensive Issues: FC Midtjylland scored two goals from set-pieces and a third on the break during their victory over Forest, highlighting potential defensive frailties.

  • Execution of Style: There are suggestions that the team is "arriving half a second late," which could be hindering the implementation of an "expansive football" style, creating passing lanes for opponents instead of closing them.

  • Manager's Self-Reflection: In the wake of the Forest "disaster," Postecoglou has reportedly questioned his own decisions, with a quote suggesting he asked himself, "What was I thinking?" This introspection hints at a recognition of tactical missteps or challenges in translating his vision to the players.

Past Performance and Managerial Pressure

Postecoglou's previous experiences and the general climate of football management contribute to the intense scrutiny he faces. The article referencing a 17th-placed finish at a prior club suggests a history where results have led to severe consequences. The current situation at Forest, with an immediate record of the worst start in a century, amplifies this pressure.

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  • Historical Context: A mention of a 17th-placed finish and subsequent job loss implies that underperformance can lead to rapid dismissal.

  • Record Start: The worst start in 100 years for a Nottingham Forest manager creates an immediate and substantial hurdle for Postecoglou.

Expert and Colleague Observations

While not directly quoted on the specific Forest situation, former player and manager Martin O'Neill's comments on the importance of winning highlight the fundamental expectation in football. Another commentator noted that Postecoglou might need "extra time to get his philosophy going," implying that the current struggle is not necessarily a lack of effort but a challenge in implementation.

  • Emphasis on Results: Martin O'Neill's general view underscores that "Wins are the name of the game – it is as simple as that."

  • Need for Time: The observation that Postecoglou may need "extra time" to get his philosophy across suggests a recognized difficulty in player adoption of his tactics.

Conclusion

Ange Postecoglou's early tenure at Nottingham Forest has been defined by a stark contrast between his belief in his long-term project and the immediate demands of fan and club expectations. The 3-2 defeat to FC Midtjylland served as a flashpoint, igniting chants of "sacked in the morning" and highlighting the club's record of the worst start for a manager in a century. While Postecoglou insists the team is progressing and remains committed to his tactical system, evidence suggests that the team is struggling with execution, particularly defensively. The manager's own reported self-doubt ("What was I thinking?") indicates an awareness of the difficulties. The immediate future likely depends on a rapid improvement in results, as the pressure from fans and the historical context of managerial turnover in football suggest that patience may be limited.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Nottingham Forest fans chanting 'sacked in the morning' at manager Ange Postecoglou?
Fans are unhappy after Nottingham Forest lost 3-2 in a Europa League match. This loss followed a series of poor results, giving Postecoglou the worst start for a manager at the club in 100 years, with no wins in his first six games.
Q: What was Ange Postecoglou's record after his first six games as Nottingham Forest manager?
Ange Postecoglou had the worst start of any manager at Nottingham Forest in the last 100 years. He did not win any of his first six matches, including the 3-2 Europa League loss.
Q: How did manager Ange Postecoglou respond to the fan chants and poor results at Nottingham Forest?
Ange Postecoglou heard the 'sacked in the morning' chants and said fans are entitled to their opinion. He believes the team is on the right track and that players are trying to follow his tactics, despite the difficult results.
Q: What tactical issues are being discussed regarding Nottingham Forest's performance under Ange Postecoglou?
Some experts think the team is struggling to play Postecoglou's preferred fast-paced style. They are described as arriving 'half a second late,' which causes defensive problems, like giving up two goals from set-pieces and one on a fast break in the 3-2 loss.
Q: Has Ange Postecoglou faced similar pressure or job loss before due to team performance?
Reports mention that a 17th-placed league finish at a previous club ultimately cost him his job. This suggests that poor team performance can lead to quick dismissals, adding to the pressure he faces at Nottingham Forest.