IT CAN’T BE HIM! BUT IT IS!
Without a doubt the most disliked down-under figure to arrive in the Nottingham area since a villainous hotelier from a long-running series starred in a theatrical show in the early 2000s, the Greek-Australian’s time in charge at the City Ground could hardly have begun more poorly. Although the boos and catcalls that performer the Neighbours star was subjected to during a seasonal stage show were mostly in fun, the toxicity of the invective aimed at the Australian coach during the team’s European setback by Midtjylland on Thursday was so severe that it is tough to see the coach who has been in charge for a mere handful of fixtures will still be around to hear the festive cat-calls this Christmas. On more than one occasion the veteran manager’s shouts of “Watch out behind!” went disregarded by his unfortunate players, especially when the opposition scored their initial strikes from poorly handled free-kicks and corners. Far from the joyous atmosphere they’d hoped for, Nottingham Forest’s first European home game in nearly three decades ended in acrimony with supporters telling the boss he’d be “dismissed soon”, before praising his popular, recently dismissed former boss, the ex-Wolves coach.
“I get the mood around the place isn’t going to be great, I know how fans feel, especially about me, but I don’t fret over it, I’ve been here before,” Postecoglou growled in response, while aiming the floor around his feet to the usual intense glare. “Nothing surprises me in football, it’s the climate we’re in. This seems to be the direction. I have no power over it. Supporters are upset, they have every right to their view. I heard their opinion.” Even if those followers are allowed to complain, it could be contended that they might be better advised choosing a more appropriate target for their frustration. After all, it was the Greek businessman who dismissed a popular figure to bring in the Australian, who was always going to face a tough task from day one. Watching from the directors’ box as he went through a series of sullen, fierce looks not seen since that period he learned Spurs had initiated the midfielder’s release clause, the Greek tycoon has thus far mostly avoided any kind of major backlash from supporters, a good number of whom remain sure the he can do no wrong.
By Friday midday, speculation of the manager being fired overnight proved to be greatly exaggerated and reports suggest his job remains secure until such time as … well, it isn’t. Even though the team manager can offer a partial defense that he has had little or no time on the training pitch to implement the philosophy and tactical nuance that led to the London club failing to win more than half their league matches last season, his club’s upcoming matches remains forbidding and relentless. With the Magpies, Chelsea, Porto and Bournemouth next up it is hard to predict from where a initial success under the new boss will come before what could surely be the biggest dismissal-decider against the Red Devils.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I avoid conflicts and disputes, who singles out individuals, in fact, I’ll refrain from naming names. However I think there was a bit of a lack of respect there, even a bit of rudeness too, with no one giving you a ‘good morning’, a ‘good afternoon’” – the United player criticizes his club over the frosty environment at the Theatre of Dreams, where friendliness has apparently declined like the club’s results.
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
Is there truth the Forest manager has promised supporters he guarantees victory in his second season?” – a fan.
It’s not my place to want to amplify the stereotype that the Emirates faithful are the sport’s most complaining followers, but Thabo Caves (the prior edition’s comments) does make you ponder. Noting that rather than a pair of fixtures per week, the Gunners are having to play over two matches weekly (wow, 30 additional minutes!) over a certain trio of weeks (for a roster with double coverage in all roles to as well) is not the discussion-closer he might imagine. Rather it’s just going to have the orchestra of the world’s smallest violins tuning up their instruments once more, while the wider sport roll their collective eyes” – a different supporter.
I’m puzzled whether your latest letter-writers (on two or three games a week) are deliberately, mockingly repeating one of the memorable moments of web discussion (SFW), or accidentally confirming the famous quote about past occurrences returning as comedy” – a respondent.
If it’s any solace, the previous correspondent (the last mailbag), I’m the same [wanting rich Premier League sides to lose in Europe]. Since Forest lost the ability to negotiate Europe, Uefa football for me has caused a state of seething impotent rage, broken up only sometimes by Steaua Bucharest and, if pressed, the La Liga outfit. I don’t give a hoot for Liverpool’s exploits from the eighties right up to Istanbul. I am unmoved by {‘that
