Ange Postecoglou has vowed to bring a winning mentality to Nottingham Forest after being unveiled as the club’s new manager this week.
The Australian, who previously led Tottenham to Europa League glory, replaced Nuno Espirito Santo despite Forest securing a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Speaking at his first press conference, Postecoglou said he had no need to prove himself to anyone and stressed that his ambition remained unchanged from his previous posts, to win trophies.
He explained that while Forest would not transform overnight, his attacking style of football would gradually become the team’s identity, even if fans were not immediately convinced.
Postecoglou takes charge of a squad that had enjoyed relative stability under Nuno, who was well-liked among the players.
Reports suggested many were shocked by his dismissal, receiving news through teammates while on international duty. The new manager confirmed that he had allowed the squad space to process the change before beginning work.
Former Forest striker Robert Earnshaw praised the appointment, insisting the Premier League was a better place with Postecoglou back.
He described the 60-year-old as a proven winner with a reputation for bold, attacking football that excites both players and fans. Earnshaw also suggested that Forest’s talented squad could thrive under a more front-footed approach.
However, not all supporters are convinced. Some critics argue that Postecoglou’s teams can lack defensive structure, pointing to Tottenham’s struggles last season in the league.
Others expressed concern over whether Forest’s centre-backs will cope with his demand for high pressing and expansive play.
Despite the debate, expectations at the City Ground are high following a summer outlay of £180m.
Forest face Arsenal in Postecoglou’s first game on Saturday, with fans eager to see how quickly the new manager can imprint his philosophy on the team.
Their opponents have won two of their first three league games before losing 1-0 against Liverpool before the international break.
