Ange Postecoglou’s time at Nottingham Forest has got off to a rough start.
The ex-Celtic boss was appointed by Forest last week, coming in to replace Nuno Espirito Santo after his surprise sacking.
Postecoglou was well-known to club owner Evangelos Marinakis, having been presented with an award for being the first Greek coach to win the Europa League after being spotted with him during his time at Celtic.
Postecoglou had been available for less than 100 days after leaving Tottenham, where he sensationally delivered on his promise of silverware in his second season.
But after a defeat to Arsenal and now a spectacular cup defeat to Swansea City, the 60-year-old’s work is cut out for him – and a further detail has rubbed salt into the wounds.
Striker targeted by Ange Postecoglou at Celtic scores in Carabao Cup upset
Things got off to a positive start for Postecoglou on the night when Brazilian striker Igor Jesus scored a brace, the second coming after an outstanding team move.
The closing stages of the encounter were madness for Forest as they somehow lost the game in regular time. Centre-back Cameron Burgess, ironically a countryman of Postecoglou, halved the deficit in the 69th minute.
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Swansea City v Nottingham Forest - Carabao Cup Third Round
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Having handed a first start to ex-Celtic man Adam Idah in the match, the Swans turned it around with a pair of late goals, one of which sealed a brace for Burgess.
But the other scorer was reportedly on Postecoglou’s radar at Celtic Park. Slovenian striker Zan Vipotnik scored his side’s equaliser, but he may well have been scoring for his side in Glasgow.
According to Football Scotland, the striker was reportedly considered for a bid by the Hoops in 2023, shortly before Ange departed the club.
His agent told the publication at the time: “Yes, there is interest from Celtic for a summer transfer but there are a lot of clubs who want to sign Zan when the window opens.”
The forward scored 20 league goals for Maribor in Slovenia before eventually moving to Bordeaux in the French second tier.
Amid financial struggles at the Ligue 2 side, he moved on to Swansea last summer. He has gotten off to a phenomenal start to his second season in South Wales with five goals already, as well as a goal for his country against Sweden.
Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic reference at Nottingham Forest
When unveiled by his new club, the former Parkhead boss was sure to remind a reporter of his time in Glasgow with a brilliant answer.
When a reporter brought up his infamous “second season” promise at Tottenham, Postecoglou replied: “I’ve won a couple in my first year as well. At Celtic I won a double in my first year.
“Of course I can [win in my first year]. I may have to to have a second year here, mate. I want to be a little bit different, I’ve tried to be a little bit different.
“I’ve obviously had a different journey to everyone else in the Premier League. If I can bring similar joy that Brian Clough brought to this football club and this city, I’ll be very happy.”