Nottingham Forest boss Postecoglou confident despite Arsenal defeat: ‘We’ll get to where we want to’
The Australian was taking charge of his new club for the first time at the Emirates
New Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou believes his team will fulfil their potential despite beginning his tenure with the Midland club with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
Martin Zubimendi scored his first two Gunners goals and Viktor Gyokeres was also on the scoresheet as the former Tottenham boss endured a miserable return to the home of his old club’s north London rivals.
Forest rarely looked like scoring at the Emirates while their defensive frailties were again exposed as the team’s run of 12 Premier League games without a clean sheet goes on.
And while Postecoglou admitted the result hurt his players, he insisted they will improve in the coming weeks.
“Obviously, [it’s] a disappointing outcome for us. Look, they [Arsenal] are a good side and here at home they are a tough proposition,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports.
“But I can’t fault the lads’ effort. I thought they tried really hard. I think the second goal right after half-time allowed them to get away from us.
“This week, it’s fair to say, was fairly disruptive for the players. International week, too, so the players are getting in on Thursday and Friday. I’m trying to implement new things so it’s highly understandable that we haven’t got clarity of thought at the moment.
“But now that’s my job to try and embed that over the next few weeks. And I’m sure we will because there is a willing group of players to do that.
Asked whether he had identified specific areas for improvement, the Australian said: “You have a fair idea but it’s not been ideal preparation for the players and you’ve got to take that into account.
“All you can ask for is effort and endeavour and they gave that. we faced a very good opponent today which, unfortunately, was a bridge too far.
“They’re a group of players that showed last year just how hard they fight for each other. They’re disappointed but there is only one way to rectify that. We’ve got a game on Wednesday night and we’ve got to make sure we make amends and gives me a chance to work with the players.
“They’re all big jobs. I haven’t taken over an easy one yet. At the same time, that’s why I’m here, I love a challenge and we’ll get to where we want to.”
Next up for Forest is a trip to Championship side Swansea City in the Third Round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening before travelling to Burnley in the league next weekend.