Ange Postecoglou’s first game as Nottingham Forest’s new manager did not go as planned, as his side suffered a 0-3 defeat at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal in the English Premier League 2025/26 on September 13, 2025. He will now look for instant redemption when his team faces Swansea City in the EFL Cup third round at the Swansea.com Stadium on September 18.
With four points from four league games, the Reds currently sit 15th in the table. The season has been far from smooth. Performances have been scratchy, former manager Nuno Espírito Santo was sacked, and in Postecoglou’s debut, the team was comprehensively beaten.
After the defeat to Arsenal, Postecoglou was asked whether it would take weeks or months for his players to adapt to his philosophy. The new Forest boss gave a strong reply: "It won't be months, it won't be weeks, it'll be Wednesday. I can't afford to waste time. So by Wednesday night, we will start seeing some real principles being embedded. It won't take long and I am not going to let it take long."
Only time will tell if Forest can deliver a strong response and kick off their EFL Cup campaign on a high. Their opponents, Swansea City, have had a decent start in the Championship. The Swans are seventh with eight points from five games, including two wins, two draws, and one loss. They are also unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, a run that includes victories over Crawley Town (3-1) and Plymouth (1-1, via penalties) in earlier rounds of the EFL Cup.
For Swansea, it is a chance to extend their unbeaten streak in front of their home crowd. For Postecoglou, it could be a tricky away test early in his reign. Ahead of the clash, the Forest manager addressed the media on injuries, his relationship with the club owner, the importance of the match, and more.
“Great opportunity to implement some of the things”
Postecoglou stressed that every game matters given the club’s ambitions.
"They are all important in the context of the club's ambition and where we are in terms of the season, and with me coming in, a great opportunity to implement some of the things we want to."
“Two really good training sessions”
The new manager highlighted positive progress on the training ground.
"We have had two really good training sessions with the whole group. The past two days have been good in terms of getting the players understanding the routines we will have going into games. It feels a lot more calm and controlled."
“He knows the challenge”
On his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis, Postecoglou was optimistic.
"I haven't seen him, but he's been good; he has reached out. He knows the challenge that is before us, but he is very ambitious. He supported both the previous managers very, very well, and that's all you can ask for as a manager. I know I will be [supported] and that's all you can ask for as a manager."
“Got to the semi-finals last year”
Recalling his time at Tottenham, Postecoglou pointed to his EFL Cup experience.
"I got to the semi-finals last year, and I think every opportunity you have to win a trophy, you shouldn't let go. It is hard to win things in football. This cup gives us every opportunity to win some silverware."
“Perfect opportunity to get them out”
The Forest boss suggested the Swansea clash could be a chance to test new signings.
"The club invested heavily in the summer, a lot of new players, and they haven't really had a chance to get out there. Some of them haven't played at all, and Wednesday is a perfect opportunity to get them out there and give them a feel of what it is like to play for the club while getting some match fitness into them."
“He (Murillo) wants to be ready for Saturday”
Postecoglou gave an injury update on defender Murillo, who picked up a knock against Arsenal.
"Every day he has improved, and he wants to be ready for Saturday [against Burnley]. We're hopeful he will be available."