Alan Shearer has come to the defence of under-fire Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, calling his tactical tweaks "really unusual" but insisting he shouldn't be sacked despite a dismal start. Postecoglou is yet to win a game since taking charge, but Shearer believes it's "ridiculous" to judge him so soon – even as Sean Dyche waits in the wings.
Postecoglou under-fire at Nottingham Forest
Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure has endured a torrid start, with the team yet to win a game under the former Tottenham Hotspur boss. Since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in early September, Postecoglou has overseen seven matches without victory – five defeats and two draws – leaving Forest 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the drop zone. The 3-2 home loss to Midtjylland in early October saw fans turn on him, chanting "you’re getting sacked in the morning".
Despite growing unrest, club owner Evangelos Marinakis has opted against making an immediate managerial change. According to reports, Forest will stick with Postecoglou through the international break, believing that another sacking would further destabilise the club after Nuno’s recent departure. However, behind the scenes, contingency plans are being discussed – with former Burnley and Everton manager Dyche emerging as a frontrunner should results fail to improve.
Postecoglou’s struggles have been attributed to tactical shifts that differ sharply from last season’s counter-attacking setup. Forest’s lack of defensive discipline and vulnerability on the break have been glaring issues, leaving supporters frustrated. But for now, Marinakis remains reluctant to pull the trigger, mindful of the financial and reputation costs of yet another early-season dismissal.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportShearer defends Postecoglou but expects Forest sacking
Shearer, speaking on the situation with Betfair, admitted that while Postecoglou’s job may be under threat, he doesn’t believe the Forest boss deserves the sack. "It wouldn’t surprise me if Ange got the sack, but he shouldn’t," Shearer said. "It wouldn't surprise me if they make a change at Forest. I don't think they should. Seven games is ridiculous."
The Premier League legend added: "You never know with owners nowadays and I do look at Nottingham Forest and think how were they successful last season? They were because almost everything revolved around big Chris Wood. I know [Anthony] Elanga has left but what they did is, they sat deep and hit teams on the break with pace and energy."
Shearer continued: "I've yet to see that which is really unusual because normally when you get offered a job, it's because the person before you has been useless and the club may be in a mess. That isn't the case at Forest – Ange has walked into a really good team. They are playing a slightly different way, but we haven't seen Forest sit deep and hit teams on the break like last year, which they were very good at."
GettyForest holding off on sacking Postecoglou immediately
Postecoglou’s appointment at Nottingham Forest was seen as a bold, forward-thinking move designed to modernise the team’s playing style. Known for his attacking philosophy, he was tasked with evolving Forest beyond their compact, counter-attacking identity under Nuno. However, the transition has proven more difficult than expected, as the players have struggled to adapt to a higher defensive line and possession-heavy approach.
Forest’s inability to defend set-pieces and maintain shape under pressure has cost them valuable points. Despite flashes of attacking promise, the Tricky Trees' openness has left them exposed, with opponents exploiting space behind an unsettled backline. Postecoglou’s system demands time and patience – commodities in short supply at a club notorious for managerial turnover – but it remains to be seen whether he will be granted enough of either.
Postecoglou has not been sacked yet is the financial complexity of hiring Marco Silva mid-season, as the Fulham boss remains under contract. Meanwhile, Dyche – currently out of work – represents a more practical and cost-effective contingency should Forest’s struggles continue.
Postecoglou could get until November international break
Forest’s next three fixtures will likely define Postecoglou’s immediate future. They face a daunting Premier League game at home Chelsea on October 18 before hosting Porto in the Europa League and visiting Bournemouth soon after. Positive results could buy the Australian valuable time and restore confidence, while another string of defeats would almost certainly reignite calls for change.
Behind the scenes, Dyche is being monitored closely, with Forest viewing him as a potential firefighter capable of steering the club clear of relegation trouble. For now, it is possible that the Australian may be kept at City Ground until the November international break, which starts in a month's time.