September 13
As first days at the office go, they don’t come much tougher.
Ange Postecoglou directs traffic during his debut for Forest.Credit: Getty Images
Forest travel to Emirates Stadium to take on a red-hot Arsenal, who win 3-0 without breaking a sweat. Afterward, the new coach predicts rapid improvement.
“By Wednesday night, we will start seeing some real principles being embedded,” he says. “It won’t take long, and I am not going to let it take long.
“I’ll make sure we turn it around because we have got an unbelievable opportunity this year to make an impact, and I’m not going to let that slip.”
Ange Postecoglou after the loss to Swansea.Credit: Getty Images
September 17
Forest are bundled out of the Carabao Cup by Championship outfit Swansea, who produce a stunning fightback from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
“We’ve paid a heavy price for that,” Postecoglou says. “We need to improve … but it doesn’t change anything – we understand some of the things we have to work on.”
September 20
Big Ange banks his first point as Forest manager after a 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor. But once again, Forest are unable to defend a lead.
“From seven days ago from when we played Arsenal, we look a different team … I am disappointed, but, at the same time, the progress in our play is the most positive thing for me,” Postecoglou says.
September 24
It’s a big night for Forest, as they return to European competition for the first time in 30 years, playing away against Real Betis in the Europa League.
They lead 2-1 before conceding an 85th-minute equaliser, scored by former Manchester United player Antony.
Ange Postecoglou after his team concede a third goal against Danish minnows Midtjylland.Credit: Getty Images
“We are in the results business, and ultimately we need to now convert our good play into victories, but I think that’ll come if we keep playing like that,” Postecoglou says.
September 27
They say you get only one chance to create a first impression, and unfortunately for Postecoglou his first home game ends in an underwhelming 1-0 loss to Sunderland.
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Even worse, Forest have now slumped to 17th on the points table.
Postecoglou is doing his best to remain upbeat. “We are creating more chances than the opposition, dominating in every aspect, but we aren’t winning,” he insists.
October 2
Forest fans are heard chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” as Postecoglou’s team suffer an embarrassing 3-2 loss to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.
The embattled manager puts on a brave face. “The fans are disappointed,” he says. “They’re allowed to have their opinion on it, and I heard their opinion.
Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest.Credit: Getty Images
“Nothing surprises me anymore in football. I guess it’s just the climate we’re in, and it seems that’s the way things are going. But that’s nothing I can control, my responsibility [is] to make sure we try and get some wins for this football club.”
October 5
Newcastle show Postecoglou no mercy in a 2-0 victory at St James’ Park. Amid mounting speculation that Marinakis is poised to wield the axe, the manager indicates he’s up for the fight.
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“I love a challenge,” he said. “The alternative is that I would be sitting at home watching the game on TV, and I don’t want do that.
“I want to be in the middle of it. That’s where I am, and the belief I had and the confidence I had going into the job hasn’t wavered one bit.”
October 18
Forest suffer a 3-0 loss at home to in-form Chelsea, and Marinakis is seen leaving his seat in the directors’ lounge midway through the second half.
Within 18 minutes of full-time, with Forest slipping to 18th and into the relegation zone, the club announces that “after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time”.
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