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Replacing a team icon was always going to be a tough task, but the previous manager succeeded to pull off a smart strategy after the former coach’s exit: winning his first two fixtures. Much is forgotten about the first six months of Nuno’s tenure, when the squad stayed up just one place above the drop zone and went through a stretch of taking victory in only one time in 10 Premier League games.

Nuno had done the vital job of raising team spirit and winning over the supporters by defeating Newcastle away and generating enthusiasm by beating Manchester United at their own ground, and no one was calling for style points. The City Ground was rocking in the end of 2023, and home fans were not overly concerned that they saw only another two victories there for the remainder of the season.

Nottingham Forest supporters demand Postecoglou dismissal after 23 days following European defeat.

The Australian coach is yet to experience success, becoming the first Forest head coach in a century to fail to win any of their first six games. There was a toxic atmosphere at the City Ground on the recent matchday as they lost to the runner-up team in Denmark. When supporters are calling for your sacking after three weeks, it is fair to say things are not progressing smoothly. On the next day there were no intentions to dismiss Postecoglou but a defeat at Newcastle on the weekend could cost him his job.

All those at the club accepted there would be a period of transition because the new manager’s tactical approach is almost a complete contrast to the one his predecessor finely tuned there. The plan was evolving under the former coach but not at the pace the new boss is attempting to implement.

Starting with four away games was always going to be a tough challenge for the manager. Opening at Arsenal meant building positive energy from the first whistle was improbable but suffering a defeat at Swansea in the domestic cup and tying at Burnley put him on the defensive. The match at Real Betis appeared to be a turning point because the performance was impressive and fitting with anticipations regarding the manager’s philosophy. The methods were correct and, if not for a late opposing player goal, success would have commenced.

However Forest remain grounded. If the coach could have been excused for the performances on the road, losing at home to a visiting team and Midtjylland was not part of the thinking. There was a element of explanation in the initial City Ground defeat: a soft set-piece award that led to the decisive goal and appalling finishing from Forest meant the result went back to the north-east. Forest had almost two-thirds of possession and 22 shots but outscoring an opponent on xG is irrelevant.

Ange Postecoglou and Neco Williams will want to reverse the team’s results around at the next venue on the upcoming matchday.

There was a belief that once the forwards found their scoring touch, all aspects would be resolved but poor finishing is only a single of the problems confronting the boss. The solid defensive unit built by the previous manager has been dismantled, leaving him still waiting for a clean sheet. Stopping set pieces has been problematic, two of Midtjylland’s goals coming from them, and the remaining goal Forest conceded was from a counterattack, the type that were a regular occurrence during Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham.

The coach was keen to return to work quickly after being sacked by his previous employers, particularly with a European honor around his neck. He aimed to prove people wrong and Forest presented that chance, with the extra incentive of being in the tournament he had won in May. The Hellenic connection with Forest’s owner, the club’s chief, helped make the appointment smooth and Postecoglou, in spite of his detractors, does have the qualifications required – but practicality was unlikely to be part of the equation.

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Nuno was never sacked for football causes but for initiating a dispute with the owner that he was never going to win. Finishing in seventh place and taking Forest into continental competition made him extremely beloved. Despite his gripes, a team able of ending in the top half was put together and a lot of money was spent. After far too much short-termism at Forest, they had a clear future plan and approach, which included a team that suited Nuno. Now it feels as if a new figure has entered the house and the residents are not happy.

Visits to one opponent and another rival bookend the home game of a top team in the next three Premier League games, implying life is only going to get more difficult. The owner made the appointment with his heart and is desperately hoping to prevent another dismissal because removing Postecoglou would be an acknowledgment that he made two dreadful choices in letting go of the former coach and selecting the successor. The sport is one big public approval competition and the ex-boss started gaining his at the away ground. Postecoglou needs to emulate that or he risks losing his for good.