‘What was I thinking?’ Ange fesses up on Forest disaster, Europa League tactics
Sydney Morning Herald
by Vince RugariFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ange Postecoglou has made two significant admissions about his recent coaching experiences in the Premier League. First, he openly acknowledged that joining Nottingham Forest was a major mistake, driven by high hopes despite warnings from family, friends, and advisors. He attributed this decision to being "sucked in" by Forest's squad quality but quickly realized the club's instability, ownership demands, and unresolved issues with former manager Nuno Espirito Santo made success impossible. Second, he revealed that Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League victory was achieved by deviating from his usual tactical approach, a move he credits to adapting under pressure.
During his brief tenure at Forest, Postecoglou faced constant challenges due to the club's internal turmoil and owner Evangelos Marinakis' high expectations. He regretted not having more discussions with Marinakis about his coaching philosophy, calling it one of his biggest regrets. Despite initial optimism, he acknowledged that the situation was always heading towards failure. His candid reflection highlights the risks of taking on roles too soon after a previous position, especially in unstable environments.
Reflecting on his time at Spurs, Postecoglou described feeling "lost" after being sacked mid-contract for the first time in his career. He struggled to establish trust with players and staff, who remained attached to former manager Nuno's legacy. Despite this, he led Tottenham to their first major trophy in 17 years by embracing a more pragmatic approach, which contrasted with his usual style. This shift paid off, as the team won the Europa League under his leadership.
This matters because Postecoglou’s reflections offer valuable insights into the challenges of managing high-pressure environments and navigating complex club dynamics. His story underscores the importance of clear communication between coaches and owners, the risks of entering unstable situations too quickly, and the ability to adapt tactically when necessary. For fans and analysts interested in leadership and decision-making under pressure, Postecoglou’s candid revelations provide a compelling case study in modern football management.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/19/2026