Do or die for Ange Postecoglou: Nottingham Forest boss retains support of board but Newcastle clash could prove decisive

As reported by BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest’s next Premier League match away at Newcastle United may be a ‘key fixture’ for how Postecoglou’s position at the club is viewed moving forward. Both the result and the manner of the performance are thought to be equally important by the club hierarchy. Postecoglou retains their backing in the meantime, and has full faith in the project he has begun at the club.

The Australian arrived at the City Ground in unenviable circumstances and will have his work cut out to win over fans, many of whom are not happy at how Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following a disagreement with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Sections of the home support chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” towards their own manager after Midtjylland went 3-1 up late on Thursday. Chris Wood pulled a goal back from the spot in stoppage time but could not prevent defeat. The result meant Postecoglou became the first Forest manager in 100 years to win none of their first six matches in charge.

While it felt slightly premature for Forest fans to be calling for their manager’s head after just 24 days and six matches, it reflected the worries beginning to expand within the fanbase. What was supposed to be their most celebrated season in a generation as European football returns to the City Ground, is looking an uncertain one already.

Just one point was earned from league matches against newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, while Forest capitulated late on to lose 3-2 at Championship Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. Add that to a 3-0 defeat at home to 19^th-placed West Ham United in Nuno’s final game in charge at the City Ground, and it is easy to see why a series of concerning results have led to fan backlash.

A 2-2 draw away at Real Betis has truly been the only encouraging result of Postecoglou’s reign so far, even that being a game which ended in disappointment as Antony equalised for the La Liga side in the 85^th minute. The pressure is on for things to improve, quickly.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou said that he does not allow pressure to impact his management, citing his Europa League win despite a miserable domestic season with Tottenham Hotspur as a prime example of this.

"It doesn't enter my head," he stressed. "My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things”, said Postecoglou.

"If I start putting timelines to that or worry about what is going to happen next week then I am not performing the role I have been given.

"I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play, and, as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.

"Put it this way - I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about three or four months before I did, but that didn't stop me from winning something."

It is easy to see why the clash with Newcastle is viewed as of such importance for Postecoglou and Forest. It Is 15th vs 17th as neither side have made the desired start to the new campaign – though the Magpies will be buoyed by a 4-0 win at Union Saint Gilloise in the Champions League, while Forest’s midweek European exploits went in an entirely different direction.

A heavy defeat at St James’ Park could put Postecoglou under ‘internal scrutiny’ ahead of the international break, where a decision may be taken. Challenging fixtures against Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United see out the month.

Postecoglou has the backing of the Forest board, for now – but how long can things continue before Marinakis and co. begin to consider whether they appointed the right man?