Ange Postecoglou tried to emulate Nottingham Forest legend Brian Clough, and it backfired
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(Credit: Imago / ITV News via YouTube)
Ben Palmer
Wed 24 September 2025 22:30, UK
Ange Postecoglou’s unconventional decision in Nottingham Forest’s draw against Real Betis backfired massively.
The Australian manager took over at the City Ground on 9 September after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked as Nottingham Forest boss.
The Portuguese head coach was both exceptionally popular and successful during his time in the Midlands, and the ex-Celtic boss’ appointment was treated with scepticism.
Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham this summer, and the 60-year-old has endured a difficult start to life in Nottingham, going winless in his first three games with his new side.
A win over Real Betis in the Europa League could have proven to be a turning point after a Brian Clough-esque substitution, but instead, the decision proved to be the catalyst for Forest’s downfall instead.
Having conceded against the run of play in the 15th minute, Nottingham Forest quickly turned things around as Igor Jesus scored twice to give the away side a 2-1 lead at half-time.
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Most managers would have looked to protect their winning position, potentially looking to make a defensive substitution or a more conservative tactical change.
However, Postecoglou instead decided to take off Nottingham Forest’s summer signing Douglas Luiz, a defensive midfielder, for Dilane Bakwa, a winger.
It was later revealed by the former Spurs manager that Luiz suffered a hamstring injury in the first half, which was a huge blow, but replacing him with a winger was a questionable decision.
The Australian boss is renowned for his aggressive approach, both offensively and defensively, as displayed in November 2023 when his Tottenham side continued to employ an absurdly high line despite being down to nine men in a 4-1 loss to Chelsea.
Ange Postecoglou took over at Nottingham Forest in September.(Credit Imago)
And the decision to look to put the game to bed by scoring more goals mirrored the approach that Clough often took during his time in charge of the Tricky Trees.
For instance, in an FA Cup game in 1991, the Forest boss took off midfielder Steve Hodge at half-time, and didn’t replace him, leaving his side with just 10 men on the pitch.
That sort of innovative, unprecedented, and slightly bonkers approach can be what sets the best apart from the rest.
However, the Australian boss’ substitution actually proved to be hugely detrimental for his side, as their lack of balance in midfield gave Betis a pathway back into the clash, with former Man United outcast Antony scoring late on to rescue a 2-2 draw.
Having written himself in Tottenham’s history books by beating Man United in the Europa League final last season, Postecoglou will be eyeing a remarkable repeat of his success this year with Forest.
But whilst his mirroring of Clough’s unorthodox approach may not be a coincidence, any more unconventional substitutions may need a second thought after his side collapsed in Seville.
Here’s what Postecoglou had to say about the legendary manager in a press conference in 2023: “He’s one of those managers who have made an indelible impact on the game.
When you think about Nottingham Forest winning the European Cup, it’s quite an achievement.
“I mean, English football at the time was fairly dominant through Europe, but still a remarkable achievement and people like Brian Clough have this unique place in our game where their impact is undeniable and stays forever.”