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When Ange Postecoglou was unveiled as Nottingham Forest’s new manager, optimism was in short supply. Appointed after the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo, the Australian coach was expected to steady the ship and inject attacking football into a side making its long-awaited return to European competition.

Instead, Forest remain without a win in six matches since his arrival. Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League defeat at home to Midtjylland was a bitter blow – and the first time a section of supporters turned openly on him, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning”.

The hierarchy at the City Ground are publicly backing Postecoglou for now, but there is little doubt that Sunday’s clash against Newcastle United could prove pivotal for his future.

Forest’s board insists they remain supportive of Postecoglou, but pressure is undeniably building. Defeat at St James’ Park would not just dent their Premier League position – currently hovering just above the relegation zone – it would raise serious questions about whether the manager can inspire a turnaround.

Crucially, Forest’s leadership is said to be looking not only at results but at performances. A narrow loss or a spirited display could buy Postecoglou time. A heavy defeat, however, would leave him under intense scrutiny heading into the international break.

Postecoglou himself is adamant he won’t let pressure dictate his management. Reflecting on his time at Tottenham, where he won the Europa League despite knowing his job was at risk months before his eventual sacking, he said:

“It doesn’t enter my head. My responsibility is to make sure this football club progresses. If I start worrying about next week or timelines, then I am not doing my job. I still believe we are not too far away.”

Postecoglou’s journey to Forest has been eventful. After transforming Celtic into a dominant force in Scotland, he was handed the reins at Tottenham in 2023. His first season saw Spurs play expansive, attacking football, finishing fifth in the league.

But the second year unravelled. Tottenham slipped to fourth from bottom, though Postecoglou did deliver silverware – their first trophy in 17 years – by lifting the Europa League after beating Manchester United in the final.

That blend of short-term failure and long-term potential has followed him into his current role. Forest fans, already sceptical of his appointment, have not warmed to him, and patience is beginning to fray.

The statistics underline how poor Forest have been since Postecoglou took charge:

To put it into context, this is the 35th time in top-flight history that a manager has failed to win his first six games in charge. Paul Jewell holds the unwanted record, going 27 matches without a win as Derby County boss in 2007/08.

More alarmingly, Postecoglou is the first permanent Forest manager in 100 years not to win any of his opening six matches.

At Friday’s press conference, the 60-year-old struck a calm, almost philosophical tone. He accepted Forest’s struggles but rejected the idea that external pressure was affecting him.

“I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play. The pressure is about winning games, not winning fans over. That comes with results.”

Reporters noted that while he avoided fiery exchanges that characterised his final months at Spurs, there was a sense of determination beneath his calm exterior. Postecoglou knows he must deliver quickly if he is to win over supporters who never fully embraced his appointment.

One of Postecoglou’s biggest challenges has been his lack of connection with Forest fans. Both Steve Cooper and Nuno forged bonds with the City Ground faithful despite scepticism. Postecoglou, however, arrived with “negative equity” – many supporters were unconvinced from the outset.

The atmosphere turned toxic after the Midtjylland loss. While results remain the ultimate judge, Forest supporters have long valued emotional connection and identity in their managers. Postecoglou’s style, if it delivers wins, may yet win them over – but he has little margin for error.

Off the pitch, Forest’s stability has been undermined by structural changes. The arrival of Edu as global head of football in July was meant to signal progress but instead coincided with Nuno’s departure and a slide in results.

Despite one of the strongest squads assembled in decades and a return to European football for the first time in 30 years, the Reds find themselves in familiar turmoil. As one fan put it: “It’s classic Forest – from excitement to disaster in a matter of weeks.”

There is internal sympathy for Postecoglou. Individual errors, injuries, and a dip in form have played their part. But sympathy only stretches so far. With fixtures against Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United looming, the pressure is only set to intensify.

The situation is precarious, but not yet irretrievable. Postecoglou insists the team are “not too far away”, and small improvements could make a big difference. Forest’s talent-rich squad is capable of better, but confidence is fragile and fans are restless.

Sunday at St James’ Park may not decide his fate outright, but it could shape how the board – and the supporters – view his future.

As one fan summarised: “This should have been one of our greatest seasons. Instead, it feels like a crisis. But at Forest, it’s never dull.”