Nottingham Forest has undergone a dramatic managerial shift, parting ways with Nuno Espirito Santo and appointing Ange Postecoglou as the new head coach. This change marks a complete philosophical and tactical overhaul for the club, moving from Nuno’s risk-averse, counter-attacking approach to Postecoglou’s possession-dominant, high-pressing “Ange-ball.” The decision, made by owner Evangelos Marinakis, comes after a tumultuous period and signifies a significant gamble given Nuno’s recent successes.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure at the City Ground, which began in December 2023 when he replaced Steve Cooper, was largely successful. He inherited a side struggling with relegation and transformed them into a force that secured European football – the UEFA Europa League – for the first time since 1995. This achievement marked Forest’s highest league finish in 30 years. Nuno’s tactical prowess involved a defensively solid, counter-attacking style, utilizing players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Anthony Elanga, and Chris Wood to great effect. Under his guidance, Forest took four points off Liverpool, drew with Arsenal and Chelsea, and notably beat both Tottenham and Manchester United twice. Despite signing a new three-year deal in June 2025, Nuno’s relationship with Marinakis and the newly appointed global head of football, Edu Gaspar, quickly deteriorated, leading to his dismissal after just three games into the new Premier League season, following a 3-0 defeat to West Ham.

The breakdown in communication was evident when Nuno publicly stated his relationship with Marinakis was “not good,” citing a lack of daily dialogue and trust. Incidents like Marinakis confronting Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw with Leicester last season further highlighted the growing tensions. The club’s official statement thanked Nuno for his contribution to a “very successful era,” acknowledging his pivotal role in their European qualification.

Ange Postecoglou, who was Marinakis’s number one target, has been confirmed as the new manager. The Greek-Australian coach, despite being sacked by Tottenham just 95 days prior (and ironically, barely 100 hours after Daniel Levy’s departure from Spurs), brings a winning pedigree, having secured Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years with a Europa League win over Manchester United. However, his second season at Spurs saw the team finish 17th in the Premier League, plagued by a midfield muddle, chaotic set-piece defending, and a one-dimensional approach that domestic rivals seemingly figured out. Postecoglou's philosophy, often referred to as “Ange-ball,” demands players dominate possession, press high, and attack relentlessly, with less emphasis on defensive solidity, particularly at set-pieces – a stark contrast to Nuno’s strengths.

Marinakis has expressed his desire for Forest to play a more attacking style of football, believing Postecoglou has the credentials and track record to help the club compete for trophies. Postecoglou, who dined with Marinakis in July at a Greek Super League awards ceremony, is proud of his Greek heritage. He will immediately face a challenging fixture against Arsenal, a team against whom he holds a dismal record of one draw and three losses in four games.

The change in management is expected to have a significant impact on Nottingham Forest’s squad. For players like Nigerian international Ola Aina, a regular starter, the shift to Postecoglou’s attacking system will likely mean increased attacking duties and a need to contribute more in the opponent’s final third. Taiwo Awoniyi’s position, however, might not change significantly, especially given the club’s recent signings of new attackers.