Australian manager Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest just 39 days after taking charge, marking one of the briefest managerial stints in Premier League history. The decision came only minutes after Forest's 3–0 defeat at home to Chelsea, which extended their winless run under Postecoglou to eight matches.

A Record-Breaking Short Tenure

Postecoglou's dismissal officially makes his reign the second shortest in Premier League history, behind Sam Allardyce's 30-day spell at Leeds United in 2023. The 60-year-old replaced Nuno Espírito Santo on September 9, inheriting a team that had narrowly escaped the relegation zone last season. Despite expectations of a quick turnaround, Forest managed no wins—just two draws and six losses in all competitions during his tenure.

Early Troubles and Fan Discontent

Forest's slide was rapid and public. Postecoglou's team was eliminated from the Carabao Cup by second-tier Swansea City and sank to 17th place in the league, barely above the relegation line. Fans at the City Ground voiced their frustration with chants of "sacked in the morning" during his final matches. The club's official statement cited "a series of disappointing performances and results" as grounds for termination.

From Tottenham Triumph to Turmoil

The sacking caps a turbulent four months for Postecoglou, who earlier in June had been dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur despite leading them to Europa League glory—their first trophy in 17 years. While Spurs celebrated European success, their domestic campaign was disastrous, finishing 17th in the Premier League, their lowest-ever position since 1992. Daniel Levy later revealed that Tottenham's poor league standing and loss of control in squad morale led to Postecoglou's departure.

"In football, you have to take your chances. We didn't, and we've been punished for it."

What Went Wrong at Forest

Analysts have pointed to chaotic recruitment, tactical mismatches, and owner Evangelos Marinakis's impatience as contributing factors in Postecoglou's downfall. Sources within the club claimed that Postecoglou struggled to adapt his high-possession style to a squad built for Nuno Espírito Santo's counter-attacking approach. The 3–0 defeat to Chelsea proved the tipping point, with the club reportedly finalizing his dismissal within 20 minutes of full-time.

Looking Ahead

Nottingham Forest, now searching for their third manager this season, face mounting pressure to stabilize before the campaign's midpoint. Meanwhile, Postecoglou's back-to-back sackings cast uncertainty over his Premier League future, despite his longstanding reputation for attacking football and trophy-winning track record abroad.

His departure serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of England's top flight—where even the most decorated managers can find themselves out the door in little more than a month.