Ange Postecoglou is under no illusions as he seeks his first win as Nottingham Forest boss.
Being winless in five games is not ideal but the situation is far from the point where the former Tottenham manager should be under any serious pressure as he himself adjusts to a new environment and new players.
Aside from the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal there have been positive signs that his philosophy could bring fast results once it clicks.
Last week’s Europa League draw at Real Betis should be viewed as positive, despite the hosts’ late equaliser, and the visit of FC Midtjylland on Thursday represents another chance to get off the mark, with Postecoglou facing the media on Wednesday.
It is Forest’s first European game at the City Ground since the Uefa Cup quarter final second leg defeat to Bayern Munich, where the eventual winners won 5-1.
There will be a sense of occasion – and victory would help erase the frustration following Saturday’s Premier League defeat by Sunderland.
The expectation on Forest this season has naturally grown after last season’s seventh-place finish and £180m summer spend.
So it is understandable why there may be anxiety among supporters, especially after failing to beat the Black Cats.
It has not fallen into place for Postecoglou yet, but Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs made six saves as Forest tried to recover and Chris Wood missed a golden opportunity to level in the second half – the type he would have taken last season.
Green shoots are there but Postecoglou has already conceded winning is the most important thing.
Read the full article here