Ange Postecoglou had only just settled into his new apartment when his time at Nottingham Forest came to an abrupt end.
Just 39 days after his appointment, the Australian manager was sacked, becoming the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history. He didn’t even get the chance to attend his post-match press conference, as the club announced his dismissal only 17 minutes after Forest’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.
A Short and Turbulent Spell
Postecoglou took charge on 9 September, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo with hopes of taking Forest to new heights and ending their long trophy drought since 1990. But instead of progress, the club now finds itself confused and lacking direction, searching for its third manager of the season only two months into the campaign.
Saturday’s defeat was the breaking point for owner Evangelos Marinakis, who left the stands visibly frustrated after an hour of play. That moment clearly signaled the end for Postecoglou, whose tenure lasted even shorter than Alex McLeish’s 40 days in charge.
Challenges from the Start
When Postecoglou arrived, he allowed the players time to adjust after Nuno’s departure, showing respect for their bond with the former manager. However, the transition from Nuno’s defensive, counter-attacking setup to Postecoglou’s attacking, high-pressing system proved too drastic.
While midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White once claimed the team would be “unstoppable” once they adapted, the reality was different. Some players, like Elliot Anderson, fit well into the new system, but defenders Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo often looked uncomfortable and exposed.
With limited time on the training ground — six matches in his first 23 days — Postecoglou struggled to fully implement his style. As results worsened, confidence began to fade, and the unity that had carried Forest to a seventh-place finish and European qualification last season started to break apart.
Changing Tactics and Losing Faith
People close to Postecoglou describe him as honest and passionate about his philosophy. But as pressure mounted, he shifted away from his attacking ideals and opted for a more defensive five-at-the-back formation.
Although this pragmatic approach once helped him win the Europa League with Tottenham, it wasn’t what he was hired to deliver at the City Ground. Forest had brought him in to play bold, attacking football — not to defend deep and survive.
Ultimately, the change came too late. Postecoglou’s 39-day spell will be remembered as one of the shortest and most turbulent managerial stints in recent Premier League history.
