Ange Postecoglou has epic response when asked if he will win trophy in his first season at Nottingham Forest

Forest’s decision shocked some, especially as Nuno had delivered the club’s most successful season in decades. But with owner Evangelos Marinakis demanding more, Postecoglou has been handed the keys to a squad with European football on the horizon. 

At Spurs, Postecoglou once famously quipped that he always secures silverware by his second season. Now, with Forest’s ambitious board breathing down his neck, he admitted the timeline might have to be sped up.

"I have won a couple in my first as well, at Celtic I won a double in my first," he said. "Of course I can, I may have to [win a trophy in first season] to get a second year here. I've said it already, that's what I want to do. I want to win trophies. That's that's what I've done my whole career, and that's what I want to try and do here. Every club wants to be successful, but since the president took over the club those ambitions are backed up with actions. Perfect conditions for me."

Originally qualified for the Europa Conference League, Forest were bumped up a tier after Crystal Palace fell foul of ownership regulations. That twist means the Australian coach will dive straight back into the Europa League spotlight, a competition he conquered with Spurs just last year.

Much of Postecoglou’s challenge will hinge on his working relationship with Marinakis. The Greek shipping magnate is known for his fierce ambition, and his ruthlessness was underlined by Nuno’s abrupt dismissal. And there is little time for settling in as Postecoglou’s first game sees Forest march into the Emirates to take on Arsenal on Saturday.