Ange Postecoglou retains the immediate support of the Nottingham Forest hierarchy but pressure is growing following a winless start to his reign.
The club are without victory in the six matches since the Australian replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
A section of Forest supporters chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” towards the former Tottenham and Celtic boss following Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League defeat at home to Midtjylland.
Forest face Newcastle on Sunday and it is understood the club’s board is still behind Postecoglou heading into the Premier League game.
There is, however, a sense the match at St James’ Park is likely to be significant in how Forest view Postecoglou’s position moving forward.
The game against Eddie Howe’s side provides the team with an opportunity to show that they are responding to Postecoglou’s coaching following his poor start.
While the result at Newcastle will be key, the manner of the performance, it is understood, will be equally as important.
A heavy defeat could put Postecoglou under internal scrutiny heading into the international break.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou said the Europa League title he won at Tottenham last season, before he was sacked in the summer, demonstrates he does not allow pressure to impact his management.
“It doesn’t enter my head,” he added. “My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things,” said Postecoglou.
“If I start putting timelines to that or worry about what is going to happen next week then I am not performing the role I have been given.
“I just don’t think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play, and, as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.
“Put it this way – I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about three or four months before I did, but that didn’t stop me from winning something.”
The 60-year-old joined Spurs from Celtic in 2023 and supporters initially warmed to the Australian for his attacking style of play, with the Londoners finishing fifth in the Premier League during his first season.
Postecoglou’s second term was more difficult as Spurs finished fourth from bottom in the table. He did, however, lead the club to their first trophy in 17 years as they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Forest visit Newcastle United on Sunday (14:00 BST).
