External expectations Won't Enter My Head, Affirms Confident Postecoglou

Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou insists that external scrutiny regarding his position will not impact his approach.

The team is without a victory in his initial half-dozen games since the coach took over from Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.

A group of Forest fans shouted, "you're getting sacked in the morning", at the ex- Tottenham and Celtic manager following Thursday's 3-2 European loss at their ground to the Danish side.

The Manager's Reaction to Pressure

Postecoglou, however, mentioned that the Europa League title he won at Tottenham the previous campaign, prior to being dismissed in the summer, was evidence he does not allow external factors to affect his coaching.

"It doesn't enter my head," he added. "My duty lies in ensuring this team progresses and reaches a level where it can challenge for titles," said Postecoglou.

"Should I begin setting deadlines to that or stress over what is going to happen soon then I am not fulfilling the role I have been assigned.

"I just don't think it is beneficial to anybody. At the end of the day, I have to focus on the environment, the training, the way we play, and as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my conviction that we are close to success.

"To explain - I was aware I was getting sacked at Tottenham about 3-4 months before I was, but that didn't stop me from winning something."

Professional History

The 60-year-old moved to Spurs from Celtic in 2023 and supporters at first warmed to the coach for his offensive style of play, with the Londoners ending up fifth in the English top flight during his first season.

Postecoglou's following season was challenging as Spurs ended 17th in the standings. He did, however, guide the club to their initial silverware in 17 years as they defeated Manchester United in the European championship match.

Present Circumstances

Forest travel to Newcastle United on Sunday (14:00 BST).

With the current poor run of outcomes, there is no denying it has been a difficult beginning for Postecoglou.

And the numbers illustrate just how poor Forest have been since his appointment.

Statistical Breakdown

• In Postecoglou's six matches, they have lost four times across multiple competitions
• No top-flight team has been defeated in as numerous games as Forest since his hiring
• They have conceded thirteen scores - at a average of 2.17 per game
• Only Manchester United and Burnley have a poorer goals conceded per game record than Forest since Postecoglou's arrival
• Surprisingly, it is the 35th occurrence in which a Premier League manager has failed to win in any of initial six matches in every tournament

Historical Context

Paul Jewell maintains the record, having failed to win in his initial twenty-seven matches as Derby County manager in the 2007-2008 campaign.

Nuno was dismissed after just three fixtures of this season when Forest were 10th in the table. They are now seventeenth, having tied once and been defeated twice of their three domestic games under Postecoglou.

He is the initial full-time Forest coach in 100 years not to secure a victory in any of first six fixtures.

Supporter Viewpoint

This season should have been one of Nottingham Forest's best in recent times. Entry into Europe for the first time in three decades, the strongest team this century and everyone at the club pulling in the same direction.

Unexpectedly, currently, that has all gone out of the window. Nuno has left, displays have been poor and on Thursday night the stadium turned on the recent appointment Ange Postecoglou after only six games.

However it's typically classic Forest, a club that veers from success to internal crisis like a learner driver who can't stay in a lane.

Future Challenges

Amid fixtures against the Magpies, the Blues, the Portuguese side, the Cherries and the Red Devils coming up, it's very hard to say if he can turn it around before it becomes even more toxic.

But question any fan and they'll tell you the same, it's never dull at Nottingham Forest.