Eyebrows were raised at the start of September when Evangelos Marinakis made the shocking decision to part ways with Nuno Espirito Santo, just months after Nottingham Forest missed out on a Champions League spot on the final day of the season.
Despite the ultimate disappointment, Forest did secure a return to Europe for the first time in 29 years, and confidence was high ahead of further progression.
However, fast forward a couple of months, and the beloved manager left the club, replaced by former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, who was tasked with steadying the ship. But, after a run of seven games without a win under the Australian, there are growing calls from Forest fans for the coach to be dismissed.
Self-Sabotaging Marinakis
Before examining the current state of affairs at Forest under Postecoglou, it’s worth recalling where the club stood after deciding to part ways with Santo.
The respected Portuguese coach had led Forest to their best Premier League finish in nearly 30 years, and their form at the start of the season was solid enough to suggest another European battle could be on the horizon.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis watching his club lose to Midtjylland in the Europa League 😅 pic.twitter.com/UVWnjbWInc
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 2, 2025
However, despite taking four points from the opening three matches, the team suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss at home to West Ham that signaled the end for Santo.
Ironically, the former Forest coach is now in the hot seat at the London Stadium, which could mean that Marinakis may find his current team in a relegation battle against his former coach.
Damning Results During Postecoglou Reign
It’s easy to assess that things have gotten worse since the Australian arrived at the club, and the stats support that argument.
Forest have now gone seven matches without a win across all competitions, which includes losses in four of their five Premier League fixtures since the start of September. While difficult away games against Arsenal and Newcastle could be a reason for the slow start, Forest have dropped points against newly promoted sides such as Burnley and Sunderland under Postecoglou.
🚨🌳 Ange Postecoglou has been appointed as new Nottingham Forest head coach.
Contract approved now by lawyers on both sides as Postecoglou will sign deal until June 2027 at #NFFC.
Clear favorite since last night and deal now in place with Marinakis. pic.twitter.com/q4L9j2IGTu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2025
On top of their below-par showings in the league, the Tricky Trees have already been knocked out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Swansea City. Furthermore, all of Santo’s progress risks being undone, as Forest remain winless through their opening two Europa League matches, sitting 25th in the League Phase.
Change In Approach Not Working
One of the key reasons behind the change in management was Marinakis’s desire for his team to play more on the front foot. Santo adopted a defensive approach throughout last term, and a mid-season change to a more front-footed style was never going to be an easy transition.
But the numbers since Postecoglou’s arrival make for damning reading. Forest sit in the bottom three across several key metrics.
#nffc boss Evangelos Marinakis is said to be ready to axe Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou 📰
EM was left furious with Ange’s recent loss to Newcastle United, followed by an interview where AP appeared to disrespect the hierarchy. pic.twitter.com/Wv7cNcziO2
— Cebollas Primavera (@TrustyPrimavera) October 6, 2025
Creating clear opportunities has been a major issue, as they rank 20th in goals scored, while their xG of 3.21 is 18th in the Premier League. Interestingly, Forest have recorded a lot of efforts, with their 49 shots being the seventh-highest.
However, a shot conversion rate of 3% is a Premier League low. Defensively, Forest also now have major issues that need addressing, as the club have allowed a league-high seven goals, posted the worst xGA, and committed the most errors leading to goals.
Could a Change Be Made?
Marinakis has never been shy to make a big call, as indicated by the firings of Santo and the much-loved Steve Cooper. Therefore, it isn’t hard to see why Postecoglou is under increasing pressure.
Fans called for the coach to be fired during a 3-2 loss against Midtjylland in the Europa League on October 2, but the Aussie could be given a couple more weeks to save his job.
However, a vastly improved run of performances will be required based on their upcoming matches before the November international break. Challenging home league matches against Chelsea and Manchester United are split by a trip to in-form Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, a clash with Leeds at the City Ground early next month could be a must-win affair if Forest are to avoid getting dragged into the abyss of a relegation scrap.
