# Nottingham Forest Releases Statement of Support for Ange Postecoglou Amid Fan Backlash After Europa League Heartbreak
Nottingham Forest issued a defiant statement backing manager Ange Postecoglou just hours after a crushing 3-2 Europa League defeat to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground. The announcement follows growing frustration from fans who voiced their discontent during Thursday night’s match, marking a low point in Postecoglou’s early tenure.
The loss extended Forest’s winless run to six games under Postecoglou, who took over from Nuno Espírito Santo in late September. Midtjylland exploited defensive frailties, scoring twice from corners in a chaotic first half before Valdemar Byskov’s late goal sealed the upset. Chris Wood’s stoppage-time penalty was little consolation, with boos ringing out at half-time and full-time during Forest’s first home European match since 1996. Fans chanted for Postecoglou’s sacking, targeting the Australian tactician who led Tottenham to Europa League success last season before his summer exit.
The atmosphere soured despite a pre-match tifo celebrating Postecoglou, depicting him steering a Forest campervan with the slogan “For a new generation our time has come.” Post-match, he remained resolute, acknowledging fan disappointment but stressing the Europa League’s unique challenges and the need to adapt to unfamiliar opponents. He urged focus on the team’s attacking intent despite the results.
Released around 1 a.m. local time, Forest’s statement read: “Nottingham Forest FC stands firmly behind Ange Postecoglou as our head coach. His vision aligns with our ambition to build a dynamic, attacking side capable of competing on all fronts. We appreciate the passion of our supporters and ask for patience as we navigate this challenging period. Results will come—together, we will roar again.” It highlighted improvements in possession and shot creation, signaling confidence in Postecoglou’s high-line philosophy.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis, present pitchside before kickoff, remains invested in the project. However, with Forest 16th in the Premier League and struggling in Europe after a draw at Real Betis, pressure is mounting. Upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Chelsea, and Porto loom large.
Fans are split. Some praise glimpses of fluid football, while others lament the lack of results. Postecoglou’s track record of trophies in Australia, Japan, Scotland, and England suggests he can turn things around, but time is tight. Forest’s statement is a call for unity—or a final stand.
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