Ange Postecoglou aims to restore Nottingham Forest to its former glory, emphasizing an attacking style and a winning mentality. Appointed after a stint with Tottenham, he’s determined to bring European success back to the club and build on its historic foundations, reuniting with former staff to achieve this goal.
Ange Postecoglou has boldly declared his mission to steer Nottingham Forest back to their former prominence in English football. Following his swift return to the Premier League, Postecoglou, recently appointed as Nuno Espírito Santo’s successor at the City Ground, is eager to replicate his past successes and build a winning culture at the club. His appointment comes merely four months after his unexpected departure from Tottenham, a move that raised eyebrows across the footballing world.
Despite leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, securing a Europa League title in May, the club opted for a change in direction. Now, Postecoglou finds himself at the helm of Nottingham Forest, a club steeped in history with two European Cup victories to their name. The opportunity to guide Forest in continental competition, a stage they haven't graced in three decades, fills the 60-year-old manager with immense excitement and anticipation for the challenges ahead.
"I love winning things. That’s what I’ve done," Postecoglou stated emphatically in an interview. "From my perspective now it’s about implementing my own ideas. It’s no secret I like my teams to attack, I love my teams to score goals. That is sometimes misconstrued as me just playing one way, but the reason I want my team to play that way is because I love winning things and that is what I want to do here."
He continued, "When you look at what the club has achieved in recent times, it’s an outstanding feat to be where we are right now. Other clubs that have won promotion have struggled to stay in the league, but in a short space of time we’re back in Europe and competing for honours, which is a great credit to everyone involved."
Postecoglou emphasized his determination to elevate Nottingham Forest to new heights. "I get a sense that the club wants more and that’s certainly what I want, so I think it’s a really exciting time. I’m honoured and I’m humbled, but more importantly I’m determined to make sure this football club takes its rightful place." His words reflect a deep understanding of the club's ambitions and a personal commitment to fulfilling them.
Reflecting on the rich history of Nottingham Forest, particularly the legendary era under Brian Clough, Postecoglou acknowledges the weight of responsibility he carries. "It’s a fantastic football club with great history and, even in recent times, it has done really well. You bear that responsibility, but I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it and I’m really happy to be here," he affirmed.
In a move to quickly establish his coaching setup, Postecoglou has reunited with several members of his former staff from Tottenham. Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery, and Sergio Raimundo have been appointed as assistant coaches, while Rob Burch takes on the role of goalkeeper coach. This swift reorganization underscores Postecoglou's commitment to building a cohesive and effective team around him.
Despite a challenging second season with Spurs, marred by numerous injuries that saw the team finish 17th, Postecoglou had previously led them to a commendable fifth-place finish in the 2023-24 campaign. This track record serves as a testament to his managerial capabilities and provides a foundation of optimism for his tenure at Nottingham Forest.
With a blend of ambition, respect for tradition, and a proven ability to build successful teams, Ange Postecoglou is poised to embark on a transformative journey with Nottingham Forest, aiming to recapture the glory days and restore the club to its rightful place among football's elite.