Can Big Ange take Nottingham Forest forward?

The appointment of Ange Postecoglou as Nottingham Forest’s new manager has sent shockwaves across English football. The Australian tactician, known for his bold attacking style, arrives at the City Ground with the task of building on the work of Nuno Espirito Santo, who left his post after steadying the club in the Premier League. The question now is whether “Big Ange” can push Forest on, both this season and in the years to come.

Nuno’s Time at Forest

When Nuno took charge, Forest were battling to secure Premier League survival. His pragmatic approach, marked by defensive resilience and tactical organisation, ensured Forest retained their top-flight status in difficult circumstances. While not always the most expansive football, Nuno’s strategy was effective; they were difficult to break down, and this allowed them to hit teams on the counterattack.

Nuno also helped stabilise the club’s dressing room, giving supporters a sense of belief that the club could not only stay in the Premier League but also re-establish itself as a competitive side. He leaves behind solid foundations, but one that demands evolution.

The Arrival of Postecoglou

Postecoglou’s arrival represents a significant shift in philosophy. Having impressed in Australia, Japan, and Scotland, before moving to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, where he won the Europa League last season, he is well-regarded for his attacking intent, high pressing, and emphasis on ball progression. His mantra of entertaining football could bring a new energy to the City Ground.

Forest fans, long accustomed to pragmatic football in recent years, may be in for an exciting ride. However, adopting such a philosophy comes with risks, and Postecoglou will need time to embed his ideas.

Expectations This Season

The expectation in the short term is for Postecoglou to build on what Nuno achieved and take Forest forward. That means finding the right balance between attack and defence, which was an issue for Bg Ange during his time at Spurs. However, he is coming into a club that football betting markets suggest is still one of the stronger outfits in the Premier League.

This season, considering Forest are playing in the Europa League, top-half stability would be progress. The club has made some good signings this summer, and if they can go again in January and deal with a hectic schedule, a top-half finish is not beyond the realms of possibility.

The Long-Term Vision

Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, continues to show ambition, and he sees the hiring of Postecoglou as a step in the right direction. There’s a desire to go from merely surviving to competing consistently. Big Ange is tasked with turning that into a reality. He will need to develop the attacking play further, foster belief, and create a new identity on the pitch.

Patience will be required, especially as the transition from Nuno’s style to Postecoglou’s could take time. But if Postecoglou and Forest get it right, they could take that next step that they’re dreaming of.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the success of Postecoglou at Forst will depend on many things going in his favour. He’s inheriting a team that has a sturdy base, but there’s work to do at the top of the pitch if the team is to play and succeed in the way Big Ange wants. If he can make that happen and find the right balance, he could be a great success.