External expectations Doesn't Affect Me, Affirms Bullish Postecoglou

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou insists that any pressure regarding his role will not impact his methodology.

The club remains winless in his initial half-dozen games since the coach replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.

A section of Forest fans chanted, "you're getting sacked in the morning", towards the former Tottenham and Celtic boss following the recent 3-2 Europa League defeat at home to the Danish side.

Postecoglou's Reaction to Criticism

Postecoglou, though, mentioned that the Europa League title he won at Tottenham last season, before being sacked in the summer, was proof he does not let external factors to impact his coaching.

"It doesn't enter my head," he continued. "My responsibility lies in ensuring this team advances and reaches a level where it can compete for things," stated Postecoglou.

"Should I begin setting deadlines to that or worry about what is occurring soon then I am not fulfilling the role I have been assigned.

"I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. Ultimately, I have to concentrate on the atmosphere, the practice sessions, the style of play, and as I mentioned last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are close to success.

"Put it this way - I was aware I was getting sacked at Tottenham about 3-4 months prior to I did, but that didn't prevent me from securing a trophy."

Career History

The veteran coach joined Spurs from Celtic in the previous year and supporters initially embraced the Australian for his attacking playing style, with the London club finishing fifth in the English top flight during his debut campaign.

Postecoglou's following season was challenging as Spurs ended 17th in the table. He did, however, lead the team to their first trophy in nearly two decades as they defeated Manchester United in the European championship match.

Current Circumstances

Forest travel to Newcastle United on Sunday (14:00 BST).

Amid the poor run of results, there is little doubt it has been a difficult start for Postecoglou.

And the numbers illustrate just how disappointing Forest have performed since his arrival.

Statistical Analysis

• In Postecoglou's half-dozen games, they have been beaten four times across three different competitions
• No Premier League team has lost as many matches as Forest since his appointment
• They have allowed thirteen scores - at a rate of 2.17 per game
• Only Manchester United and Burnley have a worse goals conceded per game record than Forest since Postecoglou's appointment
• Surprisingly, it is the 35th occurrence in which a top-flight manager has not secured a victory in any of first six fixtures in every tournament

Historical Context

Paul Jewell maintains the record, having not won in his first 27 matches as Derby County boss in the 2007-2008 season.

Nuno was dismissed after only three fixtures of this campaign when Forest were tenth in the standings. They are now 17th, having tied once and lost two of their three league matches under Postecoglou.

He is the first permanent Forest coach in a century not to win his initial six fixtures.

Fan Viewpoint

This season should have been one of Nottingham Forest's finest in recent times. Qualification for Europe for the initial occasion in 30 years, the best squad this millennium and everyone at the club pulling in the common goal.

Somehow, at least for now, that has all gone away. Nuno has left, displays have been abject and on Thursday night the City Ground turned on the new manager Ange Postecoglou after just six games.

However it's very much characteristic Forest, a club that shifts from achievement to self-made disaster like a learner driver who can't stay in a traffic line.

Upcoming Fixtures

With games against the Magpies, the Blues, Porto, the Cherries and Manchester United coming up, it's very hard to predict if he can turn it around before it becomes increasingly negative.

But ask any fan and they'll inform you the identical thing, it's never dull at Nottingham Forest.