Ange Postecoglou’s chances of taking charge of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Chelsea next weekend appear to be improving with the club leaning towards sticking with the Australian for now.
The Australian found himself on thin ice after Forest’s 3-2 home defeat by FC Midtjylland on October 2, when fans chanted ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ after a chaotic display.
Daily Mail Sport revealed on October 3 that Forest would use the international break to weigh up Postecoglou’s future, even though he took charge only on September 9 and has overseen a mere seven games.
Three days after the Midtjylland game, Forest lost 2-0 at Newcastle – Postecoglou’s fifth defeat in all competitions. Though circumstances could shift again before the Chelsea game, it is understood that – for now – Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is unlikely to make a move during the international break.
Marinakis is a strong admirer of Fulham boss Marco Silva, who worked for him at Olympiacos in 2015-16.
But to hire Silva now would cost Forest a hefty compensation package – whereas the Portuguese is out of contract at the end of the season and could be available for nothing.
During his eight and a half years at Forest, Marinakis has always chosen coaches who are out of work, rather than conduct potentially lengthy negotiations with a rival. Yet there are few free agents who meet Forest’s requirements – experience in Europe’s top-five leagues, and in top level European competition. But Postecoglou knows results must improve, with a difficult run of fixtures ahead.
After taking on Chelsea on October 18, Forest face Porto in the Europa League at the City Ground on October 23, before travelling to Bournemouth three days later. The Newcastle result left them above the relegation zone by a single point.
