The Premier League has once again shown its unforgiving side. After just eight games and 39 days in charge, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou’s sacking by Nottingham Forest has stunned many.
The 60-year-old’s short-lived tenure ended at The City Ground following a torrid run that saw his team fail to register even a single win in his eight games. His dismissal, which came after the Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea game, was yet another reminder of just how brutal the Premier League can be.
When his appointment was announced, there was a wave of optimism among supporters. The Australian manager arrived with a strong reputation, having just led Tottenham Hotspur to their first-ever European trophy – the UEFA Europa League. However, that success couldn’t overshadow Spurs’ disappointing 17th-place Premier League finish, which ultimately cost him his job.
Just four months later, Postecoglou finds himself out of work once again, a stark reminder that in today’s football world, patience is rare and results remain the only true currency.
What Caused Postecoglou’s Sacking?
1. Defensive Frailties and Missed Chances
The Tricky Trees’ struggles in front of goal were evident in the Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea clash. Despite recording an expected goals (xG) value of 2.43, the Reds failed to translate their chances into actual goals on the scoreboard.
It was not just failure to convert chances that caused Postecoglou’s sacking, but also a fragile defence that has conceded 15 goals already, which has left them hovering near the relegation zone.
The supporters’ early enthusiasm slowly turned into frustration, and this compelled the club’s hierarchy to act. For a manager renowned for his attacking principles and calm demeanour, Postecoglou’s sacking serves as yet another reminder of how quickly things can unravel in the modern Premier League landscape.
Ange, whose last press conference included the bold remark, “If you give me time it always ends the same – with me and a trophy,” ultimately ran out of time at Nottingham Forest. Patience within the club had worn thin after a string of poor performances and mounting pressure from the fans.
Postecoglou’s dismissal makes his reign one of the shortest in Premier League history, highlighting once again the unforgiving nature of England’s top flight, where long-term projects are often sacrificed for immediate results.
2. Mid-Table Clubs Now Demanding Instant Success
Last season, Nottingham Forest secured a seventh-place finish – their highest in the Premier League era since its inception in 1992, under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santos.
The Reds also qualified for the UEFA Conference League, marking their first European appearance since the 1995/96 season. With that milestone achieved and several mid-table clubs now punching above their weight to make statements of intent, owner Evangelos Marinakis will be determined not just to maintain last season’s progress but to build on it further.
In that context, Postecoglou’s sacking reflects a broader trend within the Premier League, one that shows how clubs even outside the traditional top six now demand instant results and consistency.
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Postecoglou’s Sacking: Social Media Reaction
The dismissal was announced shortly after the Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea game. Since the announcement, fans and pundits have expressed a mix of surprise, shock, and disappointment, with many viewing Postecoglou’s sacking as premature.
A section of supporters and analysts believe the board should have shown more patience, arguing that the Australian coach needed time to fully implement his philosophy and turn results around.
Others, however, insist that the club could no longer afford to gamble with form and results, especially with the team languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table.
While some supporters have directed their frustration toward club chairman Evangelos Marinakis – accusing him of destabilising the club with his impulsive and erratic decision-making – his visible irritation during the Chelsea match only added fuel to the fire.
Seated in the director’s box, Marinakis cut a frustrated figure as Forest succumbed to another defeat. Only minutes after the final whistle, the inevitable happened: Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties, just 19 minutes after full-time.
The owner has also faced criticism for meddling excessively in managerial affairs. On one occasion, he reportedly stormed onto the pitch to confront Nuno Espirito Santo after a 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground last season. After the rift, former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticised him for his “scandalous behaviour.”
Who’s The Next Nottingham Forest Manager?
Following Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest exit, the two most speculated names to become the next Nottingham Forest manager are Roberto Mancini and Sean Dyche.
The former Burnley boss, who last managed Everton before being sacked earlier this year, has been out of work for the past nine months. Known for his pragmatic approach and ability to get the best out of limited squads, Dyche has a proven track record of improving teams – qualities that could make him an ideal fit for Forest as they look to steady the ship after Postecoglou’s departure.
And as of the morning of Monday, October 20, Sean Dyche has agreed verbally to take over as Nottingham Forest’s new manager.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date: 18.10.2025