Paul Merson says Ange Postecoglou will give four Nottingham Forest players ‘sleepless nights’
Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Nottingham Forest may not be good news for many players at the City Ground, warns Paul Merson.
Postecoglou was appointed Nottingham Forest manager after the club sacked Nuno Espirito Santo following a fallout with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in Postecoglou’s first match in charge of the club just days after joining.
West Ham’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest before the international break means it is back-to-back defeats for the Tricky Trees.
Nottingham Forest defenders will have ‘sleepless nights’ under Ange Postecoglou
Speaking on Sky Sports [16 September], Merson claimed Nottingham Forest are exceeding expectations and that they have brought Postecoglou in for one reason.
“Forest are going to find it difficult this season they were so far punching above their weight but they might for Europe, they’re a threat in Europe,” Merson said.
“I think they have got a lot of talent in their team and you don’t want to have that much talent on the football pitch and not have the ball for more than 50% of the play.
“They should be dictating football matches, with the quality of player they’ve got and I think that’s why he’s been appointed to get the top players on the ball and make them play.“
Merson though believes the change of the style of play from Nuno to Postecoglou will not be welcomed by the four players in defence.
“If you’re a centre-half you will be having sleepless nights, but if you’re a Gibbs-White a player like that you can express yourself play in the final third.”
The Nottingham Forest defence was certainly run ragged at Arsenal, with Morato particularly struggling against Noni Madueke down the flanks.
Postecoglou could neglect Nottingham Forest’ defensive principles
Postecoglou will stamp his style of play on the Nottingham Forest squad in the coming matches, and it will be very different to the tactics used under Nuno’s solid defensive approach.
At Spurs, Postecoglou suffered from an injury crisis in his second season and failed to adapt accordingly to stop defeat after defeat in the Premier League.
| Games Managed | 101 |
| Games Won | 47 |
| Games Drawn | 15 |
| Games Lost | 39 |
The attacking style left Spurs often vulnerable defensively, and with an uphill battle to overcome to win matches.
Postecoglou hasn’t had a transfer window at Nottingham Forest, so being able to adapt to the squad he has at his disposal will be key.
The defenders currently at Nottingham Forest may not be able to play Postecoglou’s high line system, and in putting square pegs in round holes, greater defensive frailties could be on the cards.