Ange Postecoglou was officially confirmed today as the new Nottingham Forest manager – and Real Betis were quick to mark the occasion with a bit of humour.
The Spaniards, who have been drawn against Forest in this season’s Europa League, took to social media with a playful message: “Glad to be facing Ange Postecoglou in his first season, not in his second 🏆.”
The post was a clear nod to the Australian’s now-famous line at Tottenham Hotspur, where he declared that he always wins things in his second season. True to his word, he delivered Spurs the Europa League before being shown the door in typically chaotic fashion by the London club.
Now, Forest are banking on the former Celtic FC boss to steady their ship and bring some identity to a side that has struggled for consistency. For Celtic supporters, the Europa League draw adds an extra layer of intrigue, with Postecoglou set to face Betis once again.
During his first campaign in Glasgow, his Hoops side lost 4-3 in Seville before edging a 3-2 thriller at Celtic Park .
Betis’ tongue-in-cheek reference struck the perfect balance of respect and humour, acknowledging a manager whose reputation for building winners has followed him from Australia to Japan, Scotland, and England.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – May 25, 2025 Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou with the Europa League trophy during a lap of appreciation after the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Plenty of Celtic fans will continue to keep tabs on Postecoglou’s career, and his return to European football with Forest is sure to attract attention. Whether he can create first-season magic in the East Midlands remains to be seen, but the Betis fixture will be interesting.
It may have been a dead rubber, but check the starting XI the night Ange beat Real Betis with Celtic…
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