Ange Postecoglou has some work to do at Nottingham Forest.
His first game ended in miserable fashion, with Postecoglou being serenaded by Arsenal fans following his time managing fierce rivals Tottenham.
The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners on home soil, with Forest defending extremely poorly throughout the contest as they were second best all over the park.
Postecoglou can’t be blamed, however, and given that he only took over in time for one training session with his players, he opted to go with the same players that Nuno Espirito Santo had largely been picking.
Murillo limped out of the action for Forest against Arsenal, whilst Elliot Anderson shared what the head coach said to his players after the game.
Ange Postecoglou applauds the Nottingham Forest fans.
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
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Postecoglou’s team selection was intriguing on the basis that it was largely the same as the team that Espirito Santo picked against West Ham last time out.
However, there was a reason for that, with Postecoglou sharing that he went for that option to avoid too much upheaval after a tough week mentally for the players.
Postecoglou hinted in his press conference afterwards, however, that changes could be afoot when Forest head to Wales for a Carabao Cup game in midweek.
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He said: “It’s been a really disruptive week for the players. I’ve tried to keep things really simple this week. We’ve only had one training session together, but hopefully now we can start bedding in some of the principles we need to.
“I just didn’t think it was the time to disrupt them even further. They at least had the core of the team together, so there is some cohesion there and some understanding rather than just throwing guys in.
“But I thought the guys who came on showed a little bit of brightness and promise, which is great for us. We’ve got plenty of games coming, and they’ll all get an opportunity.”
Changes are coming for Forest
Some players must now be fearing for their place in the Forest team, and after back-to-back 3-0 defeats, it’s only natural that some changes will be on the way.
There will definitely be changes in the final third for the game in midweek, with Forest now boasting lots of options and Dilane Bakwa in particular looking lively when he came on against Arsenal.
Postecoglou will want to get as many minutes into some of his squad players as possible, and given that he’s settling into his role, anyone who does come in will have a chance to keep the shirt.
The appointment of the Australian boss gives everyone the chance of a clean sheet, and fans will be satisfied that there will be changes made to the team in midweek if these comments are anything to go by.