NO WAY! ABSOLUTELY YES!
Without a doubt the least favored Australian to make an appearance in this part of England since a notorious innkeeper from a famous TV drama appeared in a theatrical show two decades ago, the Greek-Australian’s tenure at the City Ground could hardly have begun more poorly. Even though the jeers and taunts that actor the soap veteran was faced during a festive pantomime were largely good-natured, the toxicity of the invective aimed at the Australian coach during the team’s Bigger Vase defeat by their Scandinavian opponents on last Thursday was so severe that it is tough to see the coach who has been in charge for a mere handful of fixtures will remain in post to hear the Christmas jeers this holiday season. Repeatedly the veteran manager’s shouts of “He’s behind you!” went unheeded by his hapless players, particularly when the Danish side scored their initial strikes from atrociously defended free-kicks and corners. Far from the happy occasion they’d expected, Forest’s first European home game in 29 years ended in bitterness with supporters telling the boss he’d be “dismissed soon”, before chanting for his popular, recently dismissed predecessor, the Portuguese tactician.
“I understand the atmosphere won’t be positive, I understand people’s attitude, particularly towards me, but that doesn’t concern me, it’s not unfamiliar territory for me,” the manager snapped in answer, while subjecting the floor around his feet to the typical fierce look. “Football holds no surprises for me, it’s the climate we’re in. It seems that’s the way things are going. It’s beyond my influence. The fans are disappointed, they have every right to their view. I heard their opinion.” Although those supporters are allowed to complain, it could be suggested that they might be better advised choosing a more fitting focus for their anger. Ultimately, it was Evangelos Marinakis who sacked a beloved manager to hire the Australian, who was always going to start under pressure. Looking on from the directors’ box as he went through a range of surly, dark scowls last witnessed during that occasion he found out the North London club had triggered the midfielder’s transfer clause, the Greek tycoon has thus far mostly avoided any kind of major backlash from fans, a sizable group of whom remain sure the he can do no wrong.
When Friday lunchtime arrived, rumours of Postecoglou getting sacked in the morning proved to be unfounded and sources indicate his job remains safe until such time as … in reality, it changes. Although the Forest head coach can make a reasonable case that he has had minimal opportunity on the training ground to instil the philosophy and tactical nuance that led to the London club losing 22 of their 38 top-flight games last term, his club’s upcoming matches remains tough and continuous. Facing Newcastle, Chelsea, the Portuguese giants and the Cherries coming soon it is tough to imagine from where a maiden victory for the manager will come before what could likely be the biggest dismissal-decider against the Old Trafford side.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I avoid conflicts and disputes, who names people, truthfully, I won’t mention anyone’s name here. However I believe there was some disrespect, plus some impoliteness, with no one giving you a ‘good morning’, a ‘good afternoon’” – the United player criticizes the Red Devils over the frosty environment at their stadium, where warmth has seemingly headed south like the side’s performance.
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
Can it be the Forest manager has assured Forest fans he always wins a match in his next campaign?” – Pete Negri.
I wouldn’t normally to want to amplify the stereotype that Arsenal supporters are the game’s biggest moaners, but a correspondent (the previous day’s mailbag) does make you ponder. Noting that rather than a pair of fixtures per week, Arsenal are having to play 2.33 games a week (ooh an extra 30 minutes!) over a certain trio of weeks (for a roster with strong depth in each place to boot) is not the debate-ender he might imagine. On the contrary it’s just going to have the tiniest violin ensemble getting ready once more, while the wider sport sigh in unison” – another reader.
I’m puzzled whether your current contributors (on multiple matches weekly) are intentionally, sarcastically mimicking one of the high points of internet discourse (safe for work), or accidentally confirming the philosopher’s saying about past occurrences returning as comedy” – a respondent.
For what it’s worth, yesterday’s letter-writer (the last mailbag), I’m the same [wanting affluent UK clubs to be defeated abroad]. From the time Forest stopped competing in Europe, continental matches for me has led to a state of seething impotent rage, broken up only sometimes by Steaua Bucharest and, at a push, the Spanish club. I don’t give a hoot for the Reds’ achievements from the eighties right up to the 2005 final. I am unmoved by {‘that
