Ange Postecoglou begins board talks determined to retaining job at Nottingham Forest
The Australian manager is set to convince Nottingham Forest’s board to keep confidence in his managerial philosophy when he meets with the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis this week.
Resolute Postecoglou detects signs of progress during poor results
The Australian was in unbowed, nearly humorous mood after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle. It extended his run without a win to seven matches since he succeeded Nuno Espírito Santo recently. Yet the experienced coach, who unusually started with a five-man defense, identified indications of progress as he gets ready for vital talks with City Ground directors.
"Indeed, this is hopeless," he said, with irony. "I see it as an thrilling chance. One must be up for the battle and the struggle. I’d be silly to be sitting here at the age of 60 if I lacked confidence or fight. Back in the playground I picked fights with people that beat me up."
Premier League pantomime lightly criticized
Warming to his theme, Postecoglou gently mocked the drama of English top division that typically requires that at least one manager is always considered 'in trouble'. "I understand that this is part of the spectacle of the top division that it requires one manager to be in the spotlight. Should individuals wish to evaluate my work less than a month into the job, there's nothing I can say or do that will alter that perception."
"However my observations and felt in this timeframe is that we are heading in the path I want us to. The results will come. In the meantime it is a battle and a fight and there is no issue with that. We don't have things handed to us without effort in life, we have to work hard. I've struggled for things throughout my career. Why does everyone want everything neatly packaged? The attitude today seems to be that, as quickly as something fails, you replace it."
Embracing the test at the club
Amid much hilarity, he suggested that one reporter might have been "a lost cause at some point but your parents persevered on you."
The manager then restated that he had walked into the Nottingham Forest with his eyes wide open and always understood that his attempt to alter Forest’s playing style would not be easy. "I was aware this was a significant test," he said. "There's nothing wrong with that. I'm unsure why people think difficulties are a problem, I enjoy a challenge. The other option is staying home viewing matches and I prefer not to do that. Should journalists have great enjoyment about this situation I am unconcerned. I couldn't care less."
