Ange Postecoglou has come out swinging in defence of his record, delivering a powerful response to critics questioning his early struggles at Nottingham Forest — a speech that carried the same fiery conviction that once silenced his doubters at Celtic.
Postecoglou fights back against perception
The Australian tactician, who led Celtic to five trophies in two seasons before heading to England, hasn’t enjoyed the smoothest start at the City Ground. Results have been underwhelming so far, but Postecoglou insists time will once again prove his philosophy right — just as it did in Glasgow.
When he first arrived at Celtic Park, many questioned his credentials. Within months, his attacking, fearless style transformed the team into a dominant force, laying the foundation for a new era of success. And now, facing a similar narrative at Forest, he’s determined to remind everyone that his track record speaks for itself.
Ange: “I just don’t fit — but I always win in the end”
Speaking ahead of Forest’s weekend fixture, Postecoglou reflected on how easily people rewrite history when judging his career. He pushed back against claims that he was fortunate to land another Premier League job after leaving Tottenham, highlighting what he actually achieved in North London.
“If you look at it through the prism that I’m a failed manager who’s lucky to get this job, of course it looks like I’m under pressure,” he said (via Beanyman Sports).
“But there’s another version of the story. I came to Tottenham when they’d finished eighth, got them back into Europe by finishing fifth, and we won a trophy. That’s success in any language.”
He went on to explain that Spurs’ disappointing finish last season didn’t tell the full story, pointing out that late results were shaped by priorities in Europe and squad rotation — decisions he stands by.
“So yes, we finished 17th. But if people think that defines me as a coach, then they’re looking through the wrong lens,” he added.
“At every club I’ve managed, if you give me time, it ends the same way — with me and a trophy.”
Celtic echoes and Forest’s future
For Celtic supporters, Postecoglou’s words will sound familiar. His blend of belief, resilience, and tactical conviction is exactly what turned skepticism into silverware in Scotland. He arrived at Parkhead as an outsider and left as a hero, having rebuilt the team’s identity through relentless attacking football and unshakeable confidence.
Now, he’s trying to spark the same transformation at Nottingham Forest. The early days may be rocky, but as his past shows, the story rarely ends without success.
Just like he told doubters at Celtic Park, Postecoglou seems intent on proving once again that he’s built for this — and if history is any guide, Forest might soon find themselves believing it too.