Ange Postecoglou has declared that he only needs a few days for Nottingham Forest to start playing in his image after the English Midlands outfit suffered a 3-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday.
Martin Zubimendi’s double sealed a 3-0 win for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the club’s third win in four games taking them to the top of the Premier League standings.
It was a frustrating return to north London for Postecoglou, just three months after he was unceremoniously sacked by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League and ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
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“They’re a very good side and pretty formidable at home,” Postecoglou said during the post-match press conference.
“But even in that context, it’s disappointing.”
Postecoglou was hired by Forest this week following Nuno Espirito Santo’s dismissal after his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis collapsed.
Marinakis immediately piled pressure on Postecoglou, who presided over Tottenham’s worst top-flight finish since 1976-77 last season, by claiming Forest were in a position to challenge for major trophies.
However, the Australian didn’t win a north London derby as Tottenham boss and was unable to guide Forest to their first victory on Arsenal turf since 1989.
“This week, it’s fair to say, was fairly disruptive for the players,” Postecoglou continued.
“Seven days ago, their world was totally different to what it was today.
“International week as well, so they didn’t get in until Thursday, Friday — they see a new manager and I’m trying to implement new things.
“So it’s only understandable that they probably haven’t got clarity of thought at the moment. But that’s my job to try to bed that (in) over the next few weeks.”
Nottingham Forest’s head coach Ange Postecoglou. AP Photo/Kin CheungSource: AP
During the contest, Arsenal fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ and ‘are you Tottenham in disguise?’ at Postecoglou, but the Australian brushed off the taunts.
“I love being back. I love that probably everyone will be writing me off again,” he told TalkSport.
“I love the fight, mate, and I’m up for it. So let’s get it on.
“It’s disappointing to lose. You don’t like losing any game. Obviously, fair play to Arsenal. They’re a very good side and here at home, formidable opponents.
“So there was nothing out there that deflated me other than the result, because I hate losing and the players are disappointed as well. But aside from that – understanding and keeping the context of what we’ve been through, there’s still plenty to look forward to.”
Asked how long it will take until fans started to see Forest playing in his image, Postecoglou said: “It won’t be months, it won’t be weeks. It will be Wednesday.
“I can’t afford to waste time, this is not a project.
“This football club had a strong season last year, they need to be stronger this year, and my job is to get us to where I want us as quickly as possible.
“On Wednesday night, we will start seeing principles being embedded. It won’t take long and I will not let it take long.
“I will make sure we turn it around because we have an unbelievable opportunity to make an impact this season, and I am not going to let that slip.
“We’ve got two sessions before that. We’ve got another couple of sessions before the next Premier League game, so whatever’s happened this week, and how disruptive it’s been, we can put a line through it and start looking ahead.”
Forest will next face Swansea for a Carabao Cup on Thursday at 5am AEST.