⚠️ A Storm Brewing on Trentside: Nottingham Forest in Crisis as Postecoglou’s Gamble Falls Flat
The mood at the City Ground on Saturday night was one of growing unrest — and not just because Nottingham Forest suffered a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland. It was more than a bad result. It was the latest chapter in what is becoming an increasingly troubling story under Ange Postecoglou, who is now winless in his first four games in charge and has led Forest to just one win in his last 16 Premier League outings, dating back to his final days at Spurs.
The concern is palpable. For a fanbase that has endured more than its fair share of managerial missteps, financial uncertainty, and years outside the top flight, this was meant to be the season Forest kicked on. Yet here they are — stuck in reverse. Not only are Forest without a win under their new manager, but they’re also without a clean sheet, and more crucially, without direction.
🔄 Bizarre Rotations and Tactical Confusion
Let’s be honest — the most baffling aspect of Saturday’s defeat wasn’t even the loss itself. It was the team selection. After a promising performance midweek against Real Betis, many fans assumed Postecoglou would build on that momentum. Forest were sharp, disciplined, and creative in that match — arguably their best performance since the Australian took charge.
Instead, Postecoglou made wholesale changes, opting to “shuffle the pack” in what many have described as an unnecessary and self-sabotaging decision. The lineup against Sunderland lacked balance, familiarity, and tactical cohesion. Key players were left out or benched. The midfield was disjointed. The attack was toothless. And the defence looked like strangers playing together for the first time.
Fans are right to be frustrated — this wasn’t just rotation. It felt like a manager trying to be too clever, too experimental, too far removed from the basics required in a Premier League relegation fight.
Forest aren’t in a position to experiment. They’re in survival mode. Every game matters.
🧱 The Absence of Sangaré — Loud and Clear
Perhaps the most glaring omission was that of Ibrahim Sangaré — the Ivorian midfielder who, despite dividing opinion among fans, has consistently offered physical presence, ball-winning ability, and the kind of defensive stability Forest so clearly lacked against Sunderland.
Sangaré didn’t play a single minute.
Against Betis, Sangaré had a mixed game — he showed flashes of quality, broke up play well, but also made some errors that led to his late substitution. Even so, his absence against Sunderland was deeply felt. Without him, Forest’s midfield was lightweight, soft in duels, and offered little resistance as Sunderland strolled through phases of possession.
And this isn’t just about tackles or interceptions. Sangaré’s presence frees up other players, particularly Elliot Anderson, who looked suffocated in a midfield lacking support or structure. Against Betis, Anderson played with freedom, able to press high and drift into advanced positions knowing Sangaré was behind him mopping up. On Saturday? He looked like a completely different player — hesitant, overworked, and isolated.
Postecoglou’s decision to rest Sangaré might have made sense on paper — the Ivorian has a patchy injury record, and it was the second game in a week. But in the context of Forest’s form and position, it was a massive misstep. It’s become painfully clear that Sangaré must be a mainstay in this Forest team, especially in the continued absence of Douglas Luiz, whose leadership and passing range are sorely missed.
🧤 Roefs’ Post-Match Comments Say It All
If fans needed confirmation of just how ineffective Forest were, they got it — straight from the opposition goalkeeper. Sunderland’s Robin Roefs spoke candidly after the game, admitting he “didn’t feel like he’d concede against Forest.”
That kind of statement is damning. It’s not just a reflection of Forest’s inability to create chances; it suggests that even opposition players are beginning to see this Forest side as predictable, unthreatening, and easy to defend against.
That’s not a tactical issue. That’s an identity crisis.
Forest had no spark in the final third, no fluency in midfield transitions, and no width or urgency. Players looked unsure of their roles — fullbacks didn’t know when to press or drop, midfielders drifted out of shape, and forwards were left feeding on scraps.
Postecoglou’s famed attacking philosophy, built on overloads and vertical passing, was nowhere to be seen.
📉 One Win in 16: The Stats Behind the Struggle
It’s easy to be reactionary after a loss. But this isn’t just about one game. The numbers don’t lie. Ange Postecoglou has now gone:
4 games without a win at Forest
16 Premier League matches with just one win (including his final 12 at Spurs)
0 clean sheets with Forest
2 goals scored in 4 games
Over 60% possession in three matches — with no wins to show for it
This isn’t a team in transition. It’s a team in freefall. And Postecoglou’s refusal to settle on a consistent XI or build tactical foundations is making things worse.
He arrived with a reputation for building exciting, fearless teams — but fear is precisely what Forest are playing with.
🔧 What Has to Change — Immediately
If Postecoglou wants to salvage this project — and his job — certain things need to happen now, not next week, not in January, not “when players are fitter.”
- Sangaré Must Start Every Game
There is no midfield depth capable of replacing what Sangaré offers. With Luiz out, he’s now Forest’s most important defensive midfielder. Whether he plays as a lone 6 or part of a double pivot, he has to be in the team. Every week.
- Stop the Rotations
Continuity breeds chemistry. Postecoglou needs to identify his strongest XI and stick to it. Constant rotation has created confusion and inconsistency.
- Protect the Defence
A high line with no clean sheets? It’s tactical suicide. Forest need a more compact shape, especially against quicker sides. If that means sacrificing possession or pressing, so be it. Results come first.
- Play to Strengths
Too many players are being used out of position. Build around your best assets — Morgan Gibbs-White, Sangaré, Anderson, Elanga. Get them on the ball in the right areas.
- Urgency in the Final Third
Forest are too passive when chasing games. They need to be braver, more direct, and quicker in transition. Too often, the tempo is pedestrian and predictable.
⚽ Eyes on Midtjylland — A Make-or-Break Moment?
Next up is Midtjylland on Thursday, a game that suddenly feels crucial. On paper, it’s a winnable fixture. But nothing is guaranteed when confidence is this low and belief is slipping.
Forest can’t afford another limp performance. They need to win — and win well. Not just for the fans, not just for the league position — but to send a message that this team is capable of fighting back. A defeat, or even another tepid draw, could pile further pressure on Postecoglou and turn an already-fractured dressing room into a full-blown mutiny.
There’s still time to turn this around. But that window is closing fast.
🧠 Final Thoughts: What’s the Vision?
What is this Nottingham Forest side supposed to be?
Are they a possession-based team trying to control games? Are they a pressing side looking to win the ball high and break fast? Are they a compact, defensive team trying to grind results?
Right now, they’re none of the above.
That’s the problem.
Postecoglou needs to establish a clear identity, build around key players like Sangaré, Gibbs-White, and Anderson, and get the fans back onside with performances that show heart, discipline, and tactical intelligence.
If not, the whispers will grow louder. The headlines will turn nastier. And the Forest board may be forced into a decision they were hoping to avoid.
Because if this continues, the dream of Premier League stability could vanish — and the threat of Championship football will no longer be a distant nightmare. It’ll be reality.