🔗 Share this article

Ange Postecoglou is set to persuade the club's directors to keep confidence in his managerial philosophy when he holds talks with the team's principal Evangelos Marinakis in coming days.

Defiant Postecoglou detects positive indicators during poor results

The Australian was in unbowed, nearly humorous form after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle. It extended his run without a win to seven games since he replaced Nuno Espírito Santo last month. Yet the experienced coach, who surprisingly started with a back five, detected signs of improvement as he prepares for vital talks with club officials.

"Yes, this is hopeless," he said, sarcastically. "I see it as an thrilling chance. One must be ready for the fight and the struggle. I’d be silly to be in this position at the age of 60 if I lacked confidence or determination. Back in the playground I chose battles with people that defeated me."

Premier League pantomime gently mocked

Warming to his theme, the Forest manager gently mocked the drama of English top division that almost demands that at least one manager is always deemed 'under pressure'. "I get that this is part of the fanfare of the top division that it needs a coach to be in the spotlight. Should individuals wish to evaluate my work three and a half weeks into the role, there's nothing I can say or do that will alter that perception."

"However my observations and felt in this timeframe is that we are heading in the direction I want us to. The results will come. For now it is a battle and a contest and there is no issue with that. We don't have things provided easily without effort in existence, we have to fight. I have fought for things all my life. Why must everyone want everything neatly packaged? Modern mentality nowadays seems to be that, as soon as something fails, you replace it."

Embracing the test at the club

During the lighthearted exchange, he implied that one reporter might have been "hopeless at some point but your family didn't give up on you."

The manager then restated that he had walked into the City Ground with his eyes wide open and always recognized that his attempt to change Forest’s playing style would not be straightforward. "I knew this was a big challenge," he said. "This isn't bad with that. I don't know why people think challenges are a problem, I enjoy a test. The other option is sitting at home viewing matches and I prefer not to do that. Should journalists have great enjoyment around it I don't care. I couldn't care less."