Ange Postecoglou makes admission about ‘second season’ record after joining Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou has been unveiled as the new manager of Nottingham Forest after two seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, where he won the Europa League in May

Ange Postecoglou joked he might have to win a trophy in his first season at Nottingham Forest – to keep himself in a job.

The Aussie took the reins at the City Ground after a whirlwind week that saw the 60-year-old replace Nuno Espirito Santo. His record as a manager – one that was maintained at Spurs where he lifted the Europa League – is that he wins a trophy in his second season.

But, given the combustible nature of Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis, even the straight-talking Postecoglou admitted the pressure was on.

Asked about his proud history, Forest’s new chief said: “I won a couple of trophies in my first season as well. In my first year at Celtic, I won a double.”

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Asked if he could win one in his first campaign in the east Midlands, he added: ”Yeah, of course I can. I might have to, to have a second year.”

Postecoglou said he interrupted his 60th birthday celebrations to take a call that led him to taking over from Nuno at the City Ground.

He said that ‘a few mates had come around to celebrate a kind of ‘Hangover’ weekend – in reference to the famous film.

That was interrupted by a chat about the potential opening at the home of the two-time former European Champions.

Asked about how he was going to handle Marinakis, he added: “I don’t know – I’ve only met him a few times and just said: ‘Yes,’ to him.

“People can’t deny that he’s taken over this football club for the right intentions. It wasn’t a vehicle for people to find out who he is or to thrust himself into the spotlight. He wants to have a team of winners. It’s not easy.

“He could have gone to London, taken over one of the big clubs and you are guaranteed success.

“I love the fact he’s picked up the fantastic history of a club in the Championship and he’s take it back into Europe.

“There’s real merit in doing that and I think that tells you enough about the kind of person he is.”

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