Ange Postecoglou has brushed aside talk of needing to silence critics as he begins his tenure as Nottingham Forest’s new manager, declaring that his track record speaks for itself.
The 60-year-old Australian, unveiled at the City Ground on Thursday, returns to management just three months after his dismissal from Tottenham Hotspur. Despite guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years — the Europa League title in May — his side endured a disastrous domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.
Postecoglou replaces Nuno Espírito Santo, who was relieved of his duties on Monday night after 21 months in charge. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis acted swiftly, installing the former Celtic and Yokohama F. Marinos boss with the expectation that he will deliver progress and, crucially, silverware.
‘I don’t need to prove anything’
Speaking at his first press conference as Forest manager, Postecoglou was characteristically defiant when asked if he felt compelled to prove doubters wrong.
“I don’t see it as a point to prove. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone,” he said. “I like my teams to play exciting football, to score goals, to get fans excited. I make no apologies for that — that’s just the way I am.”
His words carry the weight of experience. Over the past two decades, Postecoglou has built a reputation for implementing high-intensity, attacking football while also delivering silverware. He won league titles in Australia with South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, lifted the J-League crown with Yokohama, and collected five major trophies in just two years at Celtic.
With the Socceroos, he also guided Australia to the 2015 Asian Cup, further underlining his pedigree.
Spurs reign ends, Forest chapter begins
Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham was ultimately defined by contradiction. His Europa League triumph against Manchester United in May briefly silenced critics, but a record 22 league defeats overshadowed his achievements.
“There is no Spurs supporter I come across now who doesn’t want to hug me and take me home for dinner,” Postecoglou joked. “I must have done something right.”
At Forest, however, expectations are different. After finishing seventh last season and investing over £180m in new players this summer, Marinakis has made it clear that the club is not aiming to settle in mid-table.
Forest have not won a major trophy since the League Cup in 1990, and Postecoglou has been brought in to change that. The Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup are all seen as attainable targets.
Trophy promise
One narrative that has followed Postecoglou throughout his career is his so-called “second-season guarantee.” At nearly every club he has managed, he has delivered a trophy in his second year.
Asked about the theory, he quipped: “I won the double with Celtic in my first year. I may have to [win a trophy this season] to have a second year here.”
He added: “I’ve said already I want to win trophies, and that’s what I’ve done my whole career. That’s what I want to do here.”
Looking ahead
Postecoglou’s first test comes quickly, as Forest travel to Arsenal on Saturday. While few expect immediate miracles, the Australian knows results must come soon if he is to buy time to build his philosophy.
“The main thing is creating something lasting,” he said. “Every club I’ve been to, I’d like to think I’ve left a mark. That’s my goal here.”
With his bold principles, colourful personality, and proven winning record, Postecoglou arrives at the City Ground with both hope and expectation on his shoulders. Whether his high-octane style will transform Forest remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he will not compromise his footballing identity.
And if history is anything to go by, silverware might not be far away.
