Postecoglou, who only took charge a month ago following Nuno Espirito Santo’s shock dismissal, is already battling for his job after going seven matches without a single win. The Australian’s reign has started with a Carabao Cup exit, a Europa League draw and defeat, and just one Premier League point. The frustration from the stands is palpable. Fans have already turned on the new boss, chanting for Nuno’s return and venting fury at a campaign that’s threatening to collapse before it’s really begun.
Speaking to the BBC Rooney didn’t mince his words as he blasted the rumours surrounding Postecoglou’s potential dismissal.
“It’s crazy. All the rumours that you heard about him, that he could get sacked after six or seven games, it’s absolutely crazy. And I like him, I think he’s a good man,” he said.
“He obviously struggled in the league with Tottenham last season, but then he went and won the Europa League. It was strange seeing Nuno [Espirito Santo] get sacked at Forest, and then they brought Ange in. If he does get sacked, I think it’s absolutely wrong.”
Rooney questioned the management and went on to stress the challenge Postecoglou inherited. “I’ve not heard anyone talking about the ownership and the decisions they’re making. They’re the ones making the decisions, so if they do sack him, someone has to be responsible for hiring him in the first place,” he added.
“The difficulty he’s got is that the style Nuno played compared to what Ange wants to play is completely different. I watched them against Burnley, I thought Forest were very good. And against Real Betis in the Europa League, I thought they were very good in that game as well. He’s been unlucky on a couple of occasions. The problem is, the Forest fans really liked Nuno, and it doesn’t look like they’re willing to give Ange the time.
“It’s tough, but Ange Postecoglou is a good man. He’s won trophies everywhere he’s been, and I hope he gets the time. But from everything you hear, the Forest fans don’t look like they’re willing to give him that time.”
If the axe falls, Postecoglou risks joining one of football’s most notorious lists: the shortest managerial reigns in Premier League history. The current holder is Sam Allardyce, who lasted just 30 days at Leeds United in 2023. Just above him sits Steve Coppell, who quit Manchester City after 33 days in 1996.
Whispers inside the club suggest the international break could be decisive, with owner Evangelos Marinakis expected to review the situation before Forest’s next Premier League game. That crucial fixture comes on October 18, when the Tricky Trees host Chelsea, a clash that could determine whether Postecoglou stays or goes. Tactically, he’ll need to conjure something special.Postecoglou has shown promise but lacked consistency, and without results, even the most loyal fans are starting to lose faith.
