Nottingham Forest are suffering a mini-crisis right now and under-fire new boss Ange Postecoglou is under significant pressure, despite being just six games into his tenure.
Ange Postecoglou already facing calls for Nottingham Forest sack
Appointed just under one month ago after Forest parted ways with Nuno Espírito Santo, Postecoglou was brought in on the promise of a new attacking direction and a more positive, high-pressing brand of football.
So far, though, results have been extremely disappointing and dissatisfaction is mounting in the stands.
Chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ rang around the City Ground when Danish minnows FC Midtjylland secured a surprise 3-2 Europa League win in Nottingham on Thursday – a match which best summed up Forest’s serious fragility since Postecoglou took charge.
Forest remain winless under Postecoglou after six matches in all competitions, a stretch that has seen them lose four and draw two.
It’s the worst start by any Forest manager in 100 years, and frustration has spilled over into disdain among supporters.
Postecoglou’s trademark ‘Angeball’ — a philosophy built on possession, quick transitions, and aggressive pressing — has struggled to translate into needed results.
Forest’s squad, accustomed to a more pragmatic, counter-attacking style under Nuno, have looked pretty uncomfortable adjusting to the new approach so far — despite some flashes of brilliant play against the likes of Real Betis — where they really deserved to win that game.
Arsenal 3-0 Forest
Premier League
Swansea 3-2 Forest
Carabao Cup
Burnley 1-1 Forest
Premier League
Real Betis 2-2 Forest
Europa League
Forest 0-1 Sunderland
Premier League
Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland
Europa League
Defensive frailties have been majorly exposed, with the team conceding crucial goals from set pieces and counter-attacks.
A trip to Newcastle awaits Postecoglou next, but while Forest are remaining patient with the 60-year-old (Fabrizio Romano), this could now change pretty quickly.
A loss at St. James’ Park could even spell the end for Tottenham’s former boss, who ended the Lilywhites’ 17-year wait for major silverware at the end of last season.
Fabrizio Romano reported this week that Ange will be given time at Forest, but according to TEAMtalk, ruthless Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis is already considering a bold replacement.
Oliver Glasner emerging as "prime candidate" to replace Ange at Forest
According to their information, as sourced by journalist Fraser Fletcher, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is now among the top contenders to succeed Postecoglou if he is sacked.
Glasner helped to end Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy last term, guiding them to a 1-0 win over Man City in the FA Cup final, and the South Londoners are currently on an unprecedented 19-game unbeaten run.
The Austrian has also worked wonders on a limited budget despite losing the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, which has prompted links to the Man United job as pressure also mounts on Ruben Amorim.
It is believed that Glasner is emerging as a “prime candidate” for the Forest job now too, but it remains to be seen whether the Europa League-winning tactician would swap high-flying Palace for Forest given their contrasting fortunes.
That being said, Glasner’s proven track record of consistently overachieving with less-fancied squads in the Bundesliga, Austrian Bundesliga and, now, the Premier League, makes him a pretty exceptional option.
The 51-year-old’s flexible tactical approach has earned serious plaudits, and he’s known for building compact, organized teams that defend as a unit, which could address Forest’s vulnerabilities under Postecoglou.
Glasner was named as a managerial target for Tottenham at one point as well, with pundit John Wenham calling him a potentially “exciting” appointment.
While Glasner is currently employed and Palace will likely fight to keep him, reliable reports claim that he is hesitating on signing a new deal after being offered one in the summer, with his current contract due to expire in 2026 (BBC).