Ange Postecoglou has confessed the ‘negativity’ around his arrival in the Premier League with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest has confused him, labelling it a ‘curious study of human nature’.
The former Spurs manager was in charge in north London from June 2023 until the end of last season, overseeing a fifth place and then a 17th place finish in his two campaigns. Despite their poor form in the Premier League, he led Tottenham to win the Europa League in his final game in charge.
He was still sacked, though, but has since earned a return to management in England’s top flight, joining Nottingham Forest after former Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s contract was terminated.
Postecoglou is still settling in at the City Ground, and he’s expressed his frustrations with the perception of some Premier League fans of him since returning to management.
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Ange Postecoglou highlights the ‘negativity’ around managing in the Premier League after Celtic move
Speaking after his side’s last minute defeat against Championship Swansea City in the Carabao Cup, he said: “I’ve no idea why [they don’t like me]. I’m likeable! There’s been a negativity around my arrival since I came to the Premier League. But it’s a curious study in human nature as to why that’s the case.
“I came from Scotland and I get there’s not a great deal of respect given to the game up there. But my first year at Tottenham, I went to a club that finished eighth.
“They lost their greatest-ever player in Harry Kane, and I got the fifth playing my style of football. It would’ve got them to the Champions League any other year. But unfortunately, that first year I had somehow doesn’t exist. All that shows was that I finished in a poor position last year – and that my football ‘doesn’t work’.”
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Postecoglou will be wanting to prove the doubters wrong, and he has the chance to defend his Europa League title with new club Forest.
How is Ange Postecoglou getting on at Nottingham Forest?
Forest continue their European campaign against Real Betis on Wednesday.
Postecoglou has had three games in charge so far, losing his opening two fixtures. The first came against Spurs’ fierce rivals Arsenal and the second was inflicted on him by Championship Swansea in the cup.
They then played out a 1-1 draw with Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, with Neco Williams’ early opener being cancelled out by Jaidon Anthony in the 20th minute.
The 60-year-old will be hoping to get his first win at Real Betis.
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