Ange Postecoglou’s time at Nottingham Forest has not exactly got off to the smoothest of starts, with the team still searching for their first win under his leadership.
The Australian manager has already sparked plenty of debate, drawing both criticism and support since taking over.
Micah Richards has said there is no reason to panic just yet, and he is not alone in that view. Mark Bosnich also came to Postecoglou’s defence during this tough stretch.
But not everyone agrees. Tim Howard has been openly critical of Postecoglou’s tactics, and there are stats that seem to support his concerns.
Now Nigel Clough, who played for Forest back in the day, has shared his thoughts on the new man in charge.
Ange Postecoglou needs time before judgments are made, claims Nigel Clough
Clough played for a Nottingham Forest team that won two League Cups in a row, so he understands what it takes to succeed at the City Ground.
Postecoglou has not had an easy start, and while there have not been any major positives yet, Clough feels it is still too soon to make any real assessments.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, the 59-year-old was asked by Jeff Stelling about Postecoglou’s early days with Forest.
Clough responded: “It is early days, and from what I saw of the bits of the game, I think they played quite well against Sunderland; they just didn’t finish their chances like they finished last year.
“Chris Wood had a couple that last year he finished with his eyes closed, and now all of a sudden, he’s missed one or two and that could be the difference in the games. Let’s give him some time…
“It’s a new regime; we need to give [Ange Postecoglou] more than four weeks before we start judging.”
Ange Postecoglou’s early comments now fueling pressure
Giving a new manager time to settle in is usually the right approach, but Postecoglou’s own comments have made that a bit more complicated.
After his debut game, the Australian said he needed to get results quickly. He was clear that this was not a long-term project and that expectations were high following last season’s progress.
“I cannot afford to waste time. This is not a project. This football club had a strong season last year; they need to be stronger this year, and my job is to get us to where I want us as quickly as possible,” Postecoglou honestly said.
Last season at Spurs, it was his words after matches that often drew attention. Now, at Forest, those same types of comments could end up working against him.
The patience he spoke about needing has already started wearing thin among supporters, who are growing frustrated by the lack of early progress.
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