Nottingham Forest make decision on Ange Postecoglou's future ahead of Chelsea clash after dreadful start

Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure has started disastrously, with the club enduring a run of seven winless matches across all competitions. The 3-2 home defeat to FC Midtjylland on October 2 was particularly bruising, as supporters vented their frustration by chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning.” Despite the poor form and growing unrest, Forest owner Marinakis has decided not to dismiss Postecoglou this month, believing that a managerial change so soon would only deepen instability, as per the Daily Mail.

Forest have collected just one point in the Premier League under the Australian, leaving them a single point clear of the relegation zone. The team has looked disjointed at both ends of the pitch, especially when defending set-pieces — a far cry from the organised structure seen under former boss Nuno Espírito Santo. Yet, for all the criticism, Marinakis wants to see whether Postecoglou can spark a turnaround after the international break, beginning with the upcoming trip to Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest’s decision to hold off on a sacking is influenced by several factors — one of the most significant being the cost and complexity of appointing Marco Silva mid-season. The Fulham manager, who remains a strong long-term target for Marinakis due to their past connection at Olympiacos, is under contract until the end of the season, meaning a mid-campaign move would involve a hefty compensation fee. Marinakis, who typically prefers hiring out-of-work coaches, is therefore inclined to wait until Silva becomes a free agent.

Beyond that, Forest’s leadership is wary of appearing reactionary after already parting ways with Nuno weeks into the season. Replacing Postecoglou so quickly could further damage the Tricky Trees’ reputation for stability and make it harder to attract future high-profile coaches. 

Postecoglou’s struggles at Forest come just months after his dramatic exit from Tottenham Hotspur, where he experienced a similarly turbulent campaign. Despite guiding Spurs to Europa League glory — their first major trophy in 17 years — the club dismissed him only 16 days later, citing an abysmal Premier League season that saw them finish 17th. His dismissal, following what should have been a career-defining European triumph, underscored how quickly goodwill can evaporate when domestic form falters.

The Australian admitted he was aware his position at Spurs was under threat long before the season ended, revealing he “knew three or four months before” that a sacking was coming. The board, led by Daniel Levy, insisted they could not ignore the Premier League collapse despite the Europa League success, claiming they needed a manager capable of competing “on multiple fronts.” That experience appears to have shaped Postecoglou’s approach at Forest — resilient, philosophical, and adamant that patience is required to build something sustainable. The Australian has repeatedly stated his belief that his system will work once players fully adapt, but time is no longer on his side. His ability to learn from his Tottenham experience and steady the ship at the City Ground will likely define whether he survives beyond the autumn.

Nottingham Forest return from the international break with a daunting Premier League fixture against Chelsea on October 18. Just days later, Forest will welcome Porto to the City Ground in the Europa League, followed by a league trip to Bournemouth. Positive results could buy Postecoglou valuable breathing space and restore some confidence in the dressing room. However, another defeat — especially one that exposes the team’s defensive flaws — would reignite calls for change.

Behind the scenes, Marinakis and his board will continue monitoring performances closely. Should the Tricky Trees’ struggles persist through October and November, the club may begin exploring replacements ahead of the winter window.