Ange Postecoglou reacts to Nottingham Forest’s Europa League defeat | OneFootball

Postecoglou Faces Mounting Pressure as Nottingham Forest Fans Recall Nuno Espirito Santo

Ange Postecoglou’s early tenure at Nottingham Forest took another difficult turn on Thursday night as his side fell to a 3-2 Europa League defeat against Midtjylland at the City Ground. The result extended the Australian’s winless run to six matches, sparking chants of discontent from supporters who voiced nostalgia for former manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Postecoglou Endures Tough Start

Appointed less than a month ago, Postecoglou is yet to secure a victory in charge of Forest, with this latest setback making him the first permanent manager in a century to open his reign with six winless games. While expectations were high for Forest’s first European home tie since 1996, the atmosphere quickly soured when Ousmane Diao struck for the visitors after just 18 minutes.

Dan Ndoye briefly restored parity with a composed finish, but Midtjylland hit back almost immediately as Mads Bech capitalised on defensive uncertainty to put the Danish side ahead once more. Postecoglou’s players rallied in the second half, yet every time they threatened to draw level, frustration grew – not least when Chris Wood twice had goals ruled out for offside.

Fans Voice Discontent

The mood in the City Ground was one of deep frustration as chants of “sacked in the morning” echoed around the Trent End. At the same time, sections of the crowd sang the name of Nuno Espirito Santo, who remains a popular figure among many Forest supporters after steadying the club during turbulent periods.

Postecoglou, known for his progressive style of football, has struggled to imprint his philosophy on a squad still adapting to new demands. While Forest showed flashes of attacking intent, defensive fragility and an inability to deal with set-pieces once again proved costly.

Midtjylland Capitalise on Opportunities

The Danish side’s ability to punish Forest on the counter was decisive. With the hosts pushing forward, Valdemar Andreasen struck an 88th-minute goal that appeared to end the contest. A late VAR-awarded penalty converted by Wood reduced the deficit, but boos at full-time highlighted the frustration of a fanbase who had hoped for more in their long-awaited European return.

Questions Over Forest’s Direction

For Postecoglou, the coming weeks already look defining. His record contrasts sharply with the initial impact of Nuno Espirito Santo during his time at the club, and speculation is mounting over whether Forest’s hierarchy will retain patience. The City Ground faithful, passionate and vocal as ever, are eager to see signs of progress – something that has been lacking in both results and performances since the managerial change.

Forest’s European adventure still offers opportunity for redemption, but momentum must be found quickly. As the chants against Postecoglou grow louder, the shadow of Nuno Espirito Santo lingers strongly over a club desperate to move forward yet seemingly trapped in a cycle of frustration.