Ange Postecoglou is confident he has the full support of “ambitious” Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as he embarks on his journey as manager of the English Premier League club.
Hired last week following the sacking of previous Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, Postecoglou’s first game in charge of his new club was a 3-0 weekend loss to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
“I was contemplating switching my phone off after the loss, but he (Marinakis) has been good, he’s reached out,” the former Socceroos coach said ahead of Forest’s English League Cup third-round away clash against English Championship club Swansea on Thursday morning (AEST).
“Everyone’s been really supportive, including him. He knows the challenge that’s before us but he’s very ambitious.”
Ange Postecoglou is keen to bring success to Nottingham Forest. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Postecoglou said he and Marinakis’ Greek heritage perhaps helped their bond.
“Maybe it does, but ultimately the relationships are always the same. He supported both the previous managers (Espirito Santo and Steve Cooper) very, very well … and that’s all you can ask for as a manager, that you get supported,” the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory coach said.
“I know I will be (supported) and hopefully I can repay that.”
Postecoglou, who guided Tottenham to Europa League glory last season before being sacked in June, said the English League Cup presented Forest a chance to “win some silverware”.
“Every opportunity you have to win a trophy you shouldn’t let go because it’s hard to win things in football,” he said.