Nottingham Forest Could Face Second Ange Postecoglou Nightmare in Unbelievable Europa League Twist

Nottingham Forest’s turbulent season could take yet another dramatic turn, with a bizarre Europa League scenario potentially pitting them against a familiar and unwelcome face — former manager Ange Postecoglou.

The City Ground side are already on their third manager of the campaign, having dismissed both Nuno Espirito Santo and Postecoglou within the first eight Premier League matches. Despite Sean Dyche now attempting to steady the ship, the Tricky Trees could soon find themselves haunted by the Australian tactician once again.

A Chaotic Start to the Season

Postecoglou’s brief spell at Forest began in early September after the club parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese coach had fallen out with the club’s outspoken owner, Evangelos Marinakis, after a disappointing run of results and disagreements over transfer policy.

Postecoglou’s appointment initially sparked cautious optimism. Despite his underwhelming Premier League record with Tottenham Hotspur — where he finished a dismal 17th — he had earned credibility by guiding Spurs to an unlikely Europa League triumph. That European success appeared to convince Marinakis that the former Celtic boss could bring stability and attacking flair to Forest.

However, his tenure at the City Ground quickly unraveled. After a string of poor performances and rumored clashes with senior players, Postecoglou was dismissed after just eight games. Forest turned to Dyche, hoping his pragmatic approach could save their season.

A Familiar Door Opens in Glasgow

Now, with Brendan Rodgers recently sacked by Celtic following a dip in domestic form, the Scottish champions are reportedly considering a sensational return for Postecoglou — the very man who restored their dominance just a few years ago.

When Postecoglou first arrived at Celtic in 2021, he was an unknown quantity. Many doubted the club’s decision to hire a relatively obscure manager from the J-League, especially with Rangers reigning supreme under Steven Gerrard. Yet, the Australian silenced critics in emphatic fashion. He delivered back-to-back Premiership titles, a domestic treble, and restored Celtic’s swagger with his attacking philosophy and dynamic style of play.

Across 113 matches in charge, he achieved an astonishing 83 victories, earning legendary status among Celtic fans. His departure for Tottenham was met with genuine heartbreak, and his name continues to be sung at Celtic Park. With the Glasgow giants now struggling for form, a romantic reunion feels almost inevitable.

The Europa League Twist That Could Spell Trouble

While Nottingham Forest fans might prefer to forget Postecoglou’s brief and chaotic tenure, fate may have other plans. Having qualified for the Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, Forest are currently in a solid position to advance to the knockout stages.

As it stands, Sean Dyche’s men sit 17th in the competition’s ranking, meaning they could enter the seeded knockout round. Meanwhile, Celtic occupy 21st place in the unseeded section. If both teams maintain their current standings, a Forest vs. Celtic clash in the next round could be on the cards — a matchup that would instantly capture headlines.

For Forest supporters, the prospect of facing their former manager — one who failed to impress during his short stay — could be an uncomfortable one. Postecoglou, known for his tactical nous and motivational leadership, might relish the opportunity to get one over on the club that dismissed him so quickly.

Dyche vs. Postecoglou: A Battle Reignited

Adding another layer of intrigue, Dyche has previously faced Postecoglou three times in his career. The Australian has had the upper hand, winning both away encounters and drawing once at Dyche’s home ground. Those statistics don’t bode well for Forest should the two meet again on European soil.

If fate brings these two managers together once more, the stage could be set for another Postecoglou masterclass — one that leaves Nottingham Forest fans reliving a nightmare they thought was firmly in the past.

For now, Dyche’s focus remains on guiding Forest up the Premier League table and securing European progression. But as Celtic consider reuniting with their beloved former boss, the football gods may already be scripting one of the season’s most poetic — and painful — storylines.