Ange Postecoglou reveals exactly why he substituted Douglas Luiz vs Real Betis, It's not good news
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Wed 24 September 2025 22:32, UK
Ange Postecoglou has come in for questioning for deciding to substitute Douglas Luiz off at half-time in Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Real Betis.
Elliot Anderson starred for Nottingham Forest as a first-half double from Igor Jesus helped secure the Tricky Trees a point on their travels.
Luiz claimed the assist for Jesus’ second goal, but the Brazilian was replaced by forward Dilane Bakwa at the break.
Former Man United winger Antony though netted a late equaliser five minutes from time to deny Nottingham Forest all three points.
Credit: Imago
Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, 24 September, Postecoglou explained why he was forced into the Luiz substitution.
“He’s pulled his hamstring, so we have to take him off,” Postecoglou confirmed.
“I felt like we were still in control in the second half, I don’t think we really got opened up at any stage.
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“We just needed to be a bit more composed when we had the ball.”
Postecoglou’s method of playing was criticised at Spurs for increasing the number of injuries in his squad, and the Australian already has to deal with another hamstring injury to defender Ola Aina.
Alongside Anderson in midfield, Luiz was helping to dictate the tempo of the match and after the opener from Real Betis, Nottingham Forest were in control.
Postecoglou was forced into taking Luiz off and decided he wanted to get that third goal whilst he thought his team were in the ascendancy, but Nottingham Forest lost control in the middle of the park.
Minutes Played45Touches28Assists1Big Chances Created1Percentage of Accurate Passes88%Douglas Luiz stats for Nottingham Forest against Real Betis, as per Fotmob.
On TNT Sports, 24 September, Lucy Ward said: “The subs have made Real Betis better, and Forest’s subs have made them perform worse than the first half.
Away from home, you’re always at risk of that.”
Postecoglou arrived at Nottingham Forest with a reputation which was evident in his half-time substitution, when predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo would not have switched a midfielder for a forward.
In one of the tougher tests Nottingham Forest will have to navigate in the league phase it could prove to be a vital point, but many may feel it should have been three.