Ange Postecoglou has been announced has Nottingham Forest’s new manager
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The drama at Nottingham Forest surrounding Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis was confusing at worst, downright irrational at best.
One of the greatest success stories in the Premier League last season as Forest qualified for Europe for the first time in 30 years, Nuno had earned every right to continue building a dynasty at the City Ground. Or, at the very least, to guide them into the Europa League this season.
Tensions with famously hands-on owner Marinakis escalated over the summer, to the point where Nuno was speaking publicly about his issues with the ownership by the start of the Premier League season. From there, it was only going to end one way.
On Monday, Forest announced that Nuno had been sacked just over 18 months after his appointment. Mere hours later, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou was, perhaps predictably announced as his successor. It will be fascinating to see how Postecoglou does in his new job in the coming months, as he looks to impose his distinctive playing style on Nottingham Forest.
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On face value, this appointment does make some sense, though controversy may inevitably arise at some stage between the two outspoken figures of Postecoglou and Marinakis.
Postecoglou, Australian by nationality but Greek by birth, name and heritage, could be seen as a potential ally by Marinakis as he attempts to take Forest to the next level. Postecoglou plays a famously-exciting brand of football, too, and recently won the Europa League as his final act at Spurs, so he certainly has the pedigree to succeed Nuno.
It is a distinct possibility that Postecoglou returns to his former club to secure new signings for the City Ground in January. Many Spurs players expressed sadness at Ange departing the club and may be tempted by their former boss to reunite with him in the red of the Tricky Trees. There are several stars Postecoglou could attempt to lure away from north London, but Richarlison could be a huge signing if the Australian aims to secure a former player who would elevate his new side at Forest.
Postecoglou could reunite with Richarlison at the City Ground
This move may seem ambitious given that Richarlison has started for Spurs in their opening three Premier League fixtures and scored an opening-day double against Burnley. But that comes in the context where Dominic Solanke is only just returning from an injury, while deadline-day signing Randal Kolo Muani may well limit the Brazilian’s minutes if he makes a fast start to football in England.
In a World Cup year, former £60 million signing Richarlison will be determined to play enough football to earn a spot on the plane to represent his nation next summer. His performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were arguably the pinnacle of the 28-year-old’s career so far and he will be keen to get the chance once again.
Another key factor could be Richarlison’s close relationship with Postecoglou. He said in a recent interview with Mail Sport: “Ange is a spectacular guy. He was very important to me and is very loved by everyone at the club. He’s tough, he said he always wins championships in his second year, and he kept that promise.
“Ange always talked a lot with me during his time at the club. In my worst moments, he always tried to help, and I’m very grateful for that. He knew about my desire to help the team but also understood the tough moment I was going through. Honestly, I have nothing to complain about. When I had a run of games after my pubis surgery, I was performing well and scoring goals. It’s a shame I couldn’t do more for him on the pitch because of the injuries I had while he was manager.”
With Forest aiming to go deep into multiple competitions this season, some help to take the load off 33-year-old Chris Wood could be just what they need in January. While strikers Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo have arrived this summer, neither have any Premier League experience and may take their time to adapt to the league. A loan move for Richarlison, with a view to making it permanent if things go well, could be the perfect remedy as Postecoglou looks to make an impact at the City Ground.