Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media this afternoon ahead of this weekend’s clash against Arsenal.
It’s been a pretty chaotic week at Nottingham Forest with Ange Postecoglou replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
Evangelos Marinakis is confident Postecoglou is the right man for the job and can bring trophies to the City Ground.
“After gaining promotion to the Premier League, then building consistently season after season to secure European football, we now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies,” Marinakis said.
“Ange has the credentials and the track-record to do this, and we are excited he is joining us on our ambitious journey.”
There are some Forest fans unconvinced by the Postecoglou appointment and now he has addressed those concerns in today’s presser.
Ange Postecoglou Unveiled As New Nottingham Forest Head Coach
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Ange Postecoglou sends message to Nottingham Forest fans who doubt him
Postecoglou was asked for his message to fans who doubt whether he’s the right hire and he came back with a really measured answer.
“It won’t happen overnight,” the Forest boss admitted.
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“They won’t love me from the first day – it’s something I have to earn. In the longer term, I have to earn respect and trust. If we can tap into that then we can create something really special.”
He added: “I don’t see it as a point to prove. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You let your actions speak for themselves and you understand the responsibility you have. You have to provide joy to the supporters – that’s why football clubs exist. They are the lifeblood of this game. That’s all I care about. I’ll win things here and people will still have doubts about me.”
Ange Postecoglou says it will take time to change style of play
Already, it’s clear Postecoglou is trying to implement a high press as footage emerged from his first training session this week.
The clips also showed players working on quick passing drills, suggesting a possession-based approach remains his philosophy.
However, Postecoglou did admit it will take time to get Forest playing the way he’d like.
“It’s familiar territory for me. It will be a gradual process. Nuno was transitioning into something different, but we’re all different. It’s just a matter of making it as smooth as possible.”
So, don’t expect wholesale change this weekend, especially against Arsenal, who are one of the favourites for the Premier League title