Ange Postecoglou is the lead character in a genuine Greek tragedy being played out at Nottingham Forest – and what is Evangelos Marinakis going to do about it?
He’s the manager who prides himself on winning some silverware in his second season. But the next one must feel more distant than the moon right now to Ange Postecoglou.
Because Big Ange can’t win a single game first time round, let alone something to polish further down the line. A genuine Greek tragedy is now unfolding in Nottingham – and Postecoglou has the lead role.
But how long before the curtain comes down on someone who’s return to English football is making him look like a mug? Patience isn’t a virtue associated with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Just ask Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked just weeks after being given a new long term contract. Or former Huddersfield manager Carlos Corberan, who got his marching orders at Olympiacos from Evangelos, after just 48 days as head coach.
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Evangelos might have an ‘angel’ in his name, but when it comes to hiring and firing managers, he can appear to be the devil in disguise.
So what he makes of the fact he’s put his faith in a manager who has now failed to win a single game of his first six in charge, will not be printable. But it will have dawned on him how much he underestimated the bond Nuno had with his squad.
In the space of a few weeks, the City Ground has become toxic. Forest supporters have called for Postecoglou to be sacked, while some have also turned on Evangelos as well.
Which is quite a mood shift, considering he dug deep to spend £180m on new signings in the summer. It could be a long winter of discontent at Forest now, though. Provided Postecoglou is spared, and Evangelos decides to dig in.
The international break cannot come soon enough for Postecoglou, who might need to spend it reaching for the smelling salts.
Forest face a tough trip to Newcastle this weekend, before hosting Club World Cup champions Chelsea when the domestic season resumes.
Like Forest legend Martin O’Neill said, Postecoglou won’t even know the name of the tea lady yet, because he’s been there just five weeks. The inference being, that sacking the Australian would be nothing short of madness.
But people like Postecoglou are judged on one thing – results. Wins are the name of the game, plain and simple. And right now, Big Ange resembles a big loser who couldn’t win a raffle if he was the only bloke holding a ticket.
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