Ange’s decision leads big-name manager in Nottingham Forest’s appointment race

Nottingham Forest chiefs have made a decision on the departure of much-criticized manager Ange Postecoglou, with the big-name manager now the ‘leading candidate’ to replace him.

Ange Postecoglou gets off to the worst start as a forest manager in 100 years

Postecoglou’s appointment to Forest raised many eyebrows, but Evangelos Marinakis’ managerial gamble has not paid off at all so far.

The former Tottenham manager’s tenure was marred by disastrous form, with the team failing to win a single game in his first seven games in charge. This disastrous situation has left Forest near the bottom of the Premier League, and they are under intense pressure from fans and the media.

A lack of cohesion on the pitch has contributed to a string of poor results.

Postecoglou’s high-intensity, possession-based style has yet to translate into convincing performances, and Forest’s players have so far struggled to adapt to a system that is vastly different to that of his predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo.

The defensive weaknesses are also noticeable, and dissatisfaction is growing in the stands, with calls for change already growing. When Tricky Trees suffered a humiliating 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, the atmosphere at the City Ground soured, with supporters chanting “We’re fired this morning!”

As a result, speculation has intensified over his future, with reports suggesting that Marinakis is closely monitoring the situation and could make another managerial change if his results do not improve soon (Sky Sports).

There is also talk of Postecoglou becoming the shortest-serving manager in Premier League history after the 60-year-old’s worst start to life as a Forest manager in 100 years.

If Mr. Marinakis makes the change, several candidates could be involved in Mr. Forrest’s potentially vacant position.

Fulham’s Marco Silva is one of Forest’s targets. Marinakis has a good relationship with the Portuguese player, having previously worked together at Olympiakos, where they won the Greek Super League title.

Like Silva, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is out of contract at the end of this season, with some reports suggesting the tactician is also a ‘top candidate’ to succeed Postecoglou should he be sacked (TEAMtalk).

Rafael Benitez emerges as Nottingham Forest’s ‘strong candidate’

Now, according to journalist Wayne Vasey, former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton manager Rafael Benitez has suddenly jumped onto Marinakis’ shortlist.

The 65-year-old, who has been unemployed since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024, last managed in the Premier League more than three-and-a-half years ago during a lackluster spell at Everton.

Benitez was spotted in close proximity to Marinakis during Olympiakos’ 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League last week, and it appears the club are considering making a bid for Benitez and are open to an approach from Forest (GiveMeSport).

According to Football Insider, Vesey says Benitez is the “current favorite” to replace Postecoglou at Forest, and that Marinakis has also made a decision on his current manager as the Spaniard moves into pole position.

Vesey also claims that Marinakis has decided not to sack Postecoglou during the international break and will support him until his return to the Premier League next week.

However, Benitez will be the top option if Postecoglou is sacked, so he will need to improve his performance quickly or he will be sacked.

Dubbed a “world-class” tactician by his colleagues, Benitez has enjoyed an overall trophy-filled career.

That said, Benitez’s inactivity since the 23/24 season could raise questions as to whether he is now ready to take on such an extremely demanding job as Forest.