Ange Postecoglou Promises Quick Changes at Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou insists his team will play his attacking style despite a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in his first game in charge.

“I can't afford to waste time. This is not a project. This football club (had) a strong season last year, needs to be stronger this year...”

Ange Postecoglou is determined to stamp his mark on Nottingham Forest, despite the team's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in his first game as manager. He expressed optimism about the team's potential, highlighting that Forest had a strong season last year and needs to be even stronger this year.

Postecoglou vowed to implement his attacking style quickly, stating it won't take months or weeks, but by Wednesday's match against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. He emphasized that he can't afford to waste time and his job is to get the team where he wants them as quickly as possible.

The Australian coach acknowledged the challenges his team faced, including a disruptive week with Nuno Espírito Santo's departure and limited preparation time. Despite these challenges, Postecoglou praised his players' effort and endeavor, noting they worked hard in the first half and showed small signs of potentially causing Arsenal problems.

Full time. pic.twitter.com/FRQlDQsQF5

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 13, 2025

Ange Postecoglou acknowledged that his team, Nottingham Forest, played a decent game despite their 3-0 loss to Arsenal. He believes they can build on this performance and move forward after the turmoil following Nuno's sudden departure.

Forest's performance was lackluster, with the team barely threatening Arsenal's defense. The game marked a tough debut for Postecoglou, who faced chants of “sacked in the morning” and “are you Tottenham in disguise?” from the Arsenal fans.

Arsenal's new signings shone in the match, with Martin Zubimendi scoring a stunning volley and Viktor Gyokeres doubling the lead after a neat pass from Eberechi Eze. The Gunners' depth and squad rotation were key factors in their dominant win.

Thank you for your support today, Reds. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/j2BT8JIbiM

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 13, 2025

“It's no secret, it's been a very disruptive week for the players,” he told reporters.

“Seven days ago, their world was totally different from what it is today, and you've got to understand that – I certainly do.

“I can't fault the players' endeavour and effort. I thought we hung in there. We never really had control of the game at any point but we still, I thought, worked really hard in the first half.

“It was kind of small seeds towards the end of the first half of us maybe being able to sort of cause them some problems, but the second goal straight after half-time killed the game.”

Ange Postecoglou is determined to leave his mark on Nottingham Forest quickly. Despite a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in his first game as manager, he emphasized that Forest will start reflecting his principles immediately. Postecoglou has six games before the next international break to implement his style, but he's aiming to see changes as early as Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Swansea City.

Postecoglou stressed that he can't afford to waste time, stating, “It won't be months, it won't be weeks, it'll be Wednesday” when asked about implementing his style. He believes Forest had a strong season last year and needs to be even stronger this year. With a clear vision for the team, Postecoglou is confident that Forest can build on its recent success and make a significant impact this season.

“I can't afford to waste time. This is not a project. This football club (had) a strong season last year, needs to be stronger this year.

“My job is to get us to where I want us as quickly as possible. So by Wednesday night we start seeing some real principles being embedded.

“It won't take long and I'm not going to let it take long.”

Upcoming Fixtures

Forest's upcoming fixtures include a crucial Carabao Cup match against Swansea City, followed by a Premier League game against Burnley. These games will be crucial in showcasing Postecoglou's attacking philosophy and principles. With a talented squad and a clear vision, Forest fans can expect exciting times ahead as the team works to achieve its goals.