Ange Postecoglou has wasted no time in setting the tone at Nottingham Forest; the Australian coach, unveiled as the club’s new manager following the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo, joked that he might have to win a trophy in his first season just to keep his job.
At Tottenham, Postecoglou famously claimed he “always wins things” in his second year — a promise he delivered on by guiding Spurs to Europa League glory last season.
It ended the club’s 17-year wait for silverware, but it wasn’t enough to save his job after Spurs slumped to their worst-ever Premier League finish in 17th.
Now, just three months after his dismissal, the 60-year-old is back in the dugout, charged with reviving a Forest side whose last major trophy came 35 years ago.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis believes Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy and track record of success make him the man to restore Forest’s glory days.
When asked about his reputation for winning trophies in his second season, Postecoglou was quick to interject.
“I’ve won a couple in my first year as well,” he smiled. “At Celtic, I won a double in my first season. So, yeah of course I can. I may have to, to have a second year here, mate.”
Postecoglou is aiming to win Forest’s first major trophy since 1990
Picking Up After Spurs
Postecoglou returns to management with little time to breathe — his first major test comes against Arsenal at the Emirates this Saturday, a reminder of the fierce spotlight he will be under in English football.
Reflecting on his exit from Spurs, the coach admitted he knew he was on his way out even before the Europa League final.
“I knew a fair way before the final that I was going to be sacked,” he revealed. “But we won it, had the parade — it was a great three days. After that, I knew it was done.”
Despite the abrupt ending, Postecoglou insisted he remains proud of his time in north London.
“There isn’t a Spurs supporter I meet now who doesn’t want to hug me or take me home for dinner,” he joked. “So I must have done something right. How it ended, I don’t think about much. That’s football. What matters is the memories and what we achieved.”
The Promise of ‘Angeball’
If Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest were known for defensive rigidity, Postecoglou’s arrival signals a dramatic shift. His football — dubbed Angeball — is built on attacking intent, high presses, and possession-heavy play.
“I do love my teams to attack. I do love my teams to score goals,” Postecoglou said. “But the constant in my career is winning. I’ve used different systems — three at the back, four at the back, two strikers, three strikers — but the principle is the same. I want football that excites people.”
Still, the transition may not be seamless, Postecoglou inherits a Forest squad drilled to play deep, defend first, and break on the counter.
His challenge is to embed a philosophy without compromising results in a league where margins are slim.
Living in the Shadow of Clough
At Forest, any manager’s achievements are inevitably measured against the legendary Brian Clough, who led the club to two European Cups and a league title.
Postecoglou is quick to dismiss such comparisons.
“Clough is a standalone legend,” he said. “You can’t compare anyone to him. If I can bring even a fraction of that joy to this city, I’ll be happy. But I want to make my own mark, create my own legacy.”
A Bold Gamble
The decision to replace Nuno, who had led Forest back into Europe, with a coach whose Spurs side dropped from fifth to 17th in successive seasons, is bold.
But Marinakis and the Forest board believe Postecoglou’s attacking style and proven track record in delivering trophies could spark a new chapter at the City Ground.
Postecoglou, for his part, knows he must win over the Forest faithful.
“The fans are not going to love me from day one. I’ve got to earn their respect,” he admitted. “But this is a unique club. If you get the momentum right here, special things can happen.”
Box office interviews, bold statements, and a fearless commitment to his principles — Postecoglou is back.
Whether ‘Angeball’ can thrive at Forest is another question. What’s certain, however, is that his arrival ensures Forest will not go unnoticed this season.