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Replacing a club hero was always going to be a challenging task, but the previous manager managed to achieve a smart strategy after the former coach’s exit: winning his initial pair of matches. A great deal is forgotten about the opening six months of his tenure, when the squad survived just one place above the relegation zone and endured a period of winning only one time in 10 top-flight matches.

The former boss had done the vital job of raising team spirit and winning over the fans by beating Newcastle away and generating enthusiasm by beating Manchester United at home, and nobody was demanding style points. The home stadium was buzzing in the end of 2023, and local supporters were not overly concerned that they saw only another two victories there for the remainder of the season.

The club fans demand the manager axe after 23 days following continental defeat.

Ange Postecoglou is yet to experience a win, making him the initial Forest head coach in a hundred years to fail to secure a victory in any of their opening half-dozen fixtures. There was a toxic atmosphere at the stadium on the recent matchday as they succumbed to the second-best team in the Danish league. When supporters are calling for your dismissal after three weeks, it is reasonable to say the situation are not going well. On Friday there were no intentions to fire Postecoglou but a loss at St James’ Park on Sunday could cost him his position.

All those at the organization understood there would be a phase of change because the Australian’s style of play is almost a complete contrast to the one his predecessor finely tuned there. The strategy was developing under the Portuguese but not at the pace Postecoglou is attempting to introduce.

Beginning with a series of road matches was consistently going to be a tough challenge for Postecoglou. Kicking off at a top side meant building positive energy from the outset was improbable but suffering a defeat at a Championship team in the Carabao Cup and tying at Burnley put him on the back foot. The match at Real Betis seemed to be a positive shift because the showing was strong and in line with expectations regarding Postecoglou’s style. The methods were sound and, if not for a last-minute Antony goal, success would have commenced.

However Forest are still stuck. If Postecoglou could have been forgiven for the performances on the road, losing at their stadium to a visiting team and a European side was never part of the thinking. There was a degree of explanation in the initial home defeat: a soft set-piece decision that led to the decisive goal and poor shooting from Forest meant the result went back to the opposing team. Forest had nearly two-thirds of possession and multiple attempts but beating an rival on xG is irrelevant.

The manager and a key player will aim to turn Nottingham Forest’s fortunes around at the next venue on Sunday.

There was a hope that once the forwards regained form, all aspects would be resolved but ineffective finishing is only a single of the issues facing Postecoglou. The solid defensive unit built by the previous manager has been taken apart, leaving him still waiting for a shutout. Defending set pieces has been an issue, two of the opponent’s goals originating from them, and the remaining goal Forest let in was from a fast break, the sort that were a common feature during Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham.

Postecoglou was keen to return to management promptly after being dismissed by his previous employers, particularly with a Europa League honor around his neck. He wanted to show critics wrong and Forest offered that opportunity, with the added bonus of being in the competition he had triumphed in in May. The Hellenic connection with Forest’s owner, the club’s chief, facilitated make the appointment straightforward and the manager, in spite of his critics, does have the credentials necessary – but practicality was unlikely to be involved.

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The former manager was never sacked for football causes but for initiating a fight with the owner that he was never going to prevail in. Finishing in seventh place and taking Forest into Europe made Nuno incredibly beloved. Despite his complaints, a squad capable of ending in the top half was put together and a lot of funds was invested. After far too much short-termism at Forest, they had a defined long-term vision and strategy, which included a team that fit Nuno. Now it seems as if a new figure has moved into the home and the residents are not happy.

Visits to one opponent and another rival bookend the visit of Chelsea in the upcoming trio of Premier League fixtures, suggesting the situation is only going to get more difficult. Marinakis made the appointment with his heart and is urgently wishing to prevent another sacking because removing Postecoglou would be an admission that he made two dreadful choices in letting go of the former coach and choosing the successor. Football is one big popularity competition and Nuno started winning his at the away ground. Postecoglou needs to emulate that or he risks forfeiting his for good.