Nottingham Forest have pulled the trigger. This was not on the Bingo card. Nuno Espírito Santo is out. Ange Postecoglou is in. The polar opposite of managerial styles. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has decided it’s time for more than solidity, he wants ambition, style, results… trophies. So what forced the change? And more importantly, which Forest players are rising — and which ones you should be dumping from your fantasy squad yesterday.
Why Nuno Was Sacked
Honestly, who really knows. That club is mad, like there is literally always, always, always something going on there. From Marinakis storming the pitch to have a go, to off the pitch scraps and everything in between, Forest are always a story. Here’s what knocked the foundations out from under Nuno:
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Public discontent over squad balance: Nuno openly called his squad “unbalanced” and said they were “very, very far” from where they needed to be when the season kicked off. Those comments weren’t private whispers — they were press conference soundbites that inflamed things.
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Strained relationship with ownership/board: In particular, the arrival of Edu (as head of global football) appears to have changed power dynamics. Marinakis was reportedly frustrated by Nuno speaking out against club recruitment strategy, implying not everyone shared his vision.
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Transfer window shitshow: Despite a chunky outlay, Forest spent ~£118m on several reinforcements (Hutchinson, McAtee, Kalimuendo etc.), some felt the squad still lacked coherence, especially defensively. Nuno had asked for a goalkeeper and full-backs — Forest eventually delivered, but maybe too little too late. It was on deadline day and a week later the man himself is gone.
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Owner’s expectations rising: Marinakis has said he believes Ange is the man who can bring trophies. When Ange joked Forest will expect silverware in his first season to earn a second, that wasn’t just bravado — it signals what the club board now believes is acceptable.
Basically, twas a mismatch of public friction, and belief that the club needed more zip, but this squad ain’t built for Angeball or isit?
Who’s on the Forest Squad & What Ange Has to Work With
Here are just a few key names in Forest’s squad you should already know, or start knowing, because Ange will likely ask a lot of them to do more.
From Forest’s squad: key defender: Zinchenko, Murillo midfield + creative: Elliot Anderson, James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye, Douglas Luiz; forwards: Arnaud Kalimuendo, Igor Jesus, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood.
Ange inherits a squad with pieces: attacking potential, some quality full-backs, and solid mid talent. But also defensive fragility, inconsistent forwards, and perhaps lacking in experience of this type of Ange’s quick-transition, high-press style.
Ange In: What to Expect
Ange Postecoglou doesn’t do half measures. He’s a manager with a clear identity: attacking football, brave pressing, quick transitions, and a mentally fearless high line. It’s all-action or nothing, which is the complete opposite of what Forest fans have been watching. This won’t be subtle. Expect big tactical shifts.
System Changes
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Out: Deep blocks, cautious build-up, double pivots
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In: 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, attacking full-backs, one DM with license to roam ahead
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High tempo: Pressing high up the pitch and building quickly after turnovers
Here’s how things are likely to shift now Ange is in charge:
| Element | Under Nuno | Expected Under Ange |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Line | Deep, cautious, low block | Higher line; riskier but more space for pressing |
| Possession | Conservative build-up | Fast transitions, more risky passes |
| Attacking threat | Counter-attacks, slower tempo | Wide forwards, overlapping full-backs, more shots |
| Press | Passive or mid-block pressing | Aggressive pressing from front |
| Rotation | Relatively stable | More rotation; squad depth will be tested |
Ange’s Spurs side over the last 2 year had some of the most entertaining games of the season, and he’ll look to bring the same front-foot energy to Forest. Ange’s “Angeball” is not about perfection, but about setting a tempo, creating chances fast, and energy. In Forest’s case expect early games to have growing pains: conceded spaces, defensive lapses, but possibly more attacking returns.
What This Means for Fantasy Football
Here’s the meat: how should you move your Forest assets or your focus at least now that there is a different style of ball about to be played at The City Ground. here’s your Statr guide:
Players to Consider
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Arnaud Kalimuendo: Massive potential. He’s likely to start leading the line more in Ange’s attack-heavy system. New singing, the future after Wood? He’ll likely become the main man up front in time. Ange needs someone mobile, good with back to goal, and able to run in behind. Kalimuendo fits the mould and could explode under this system.
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Omari Hutchinson: Young, pacey, direct. If Ange wants dynamic wingers or wide attacking support, Hutchinson stands out. Hutchinson could break into the XI, especially if Forest go to a wide attacking trio. Record signing too.
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James McAtee: Creative spark, good passing, risk-taking ability. Could benefit from more license.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko: If used as an attacking full-back / hybrid, his assist potential rises under a more offensive type of play. Could suddenly become a top-tier attacking full-back asset again if given license to push up.
Players to Consider Dropping
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Chris Wood: Static forward; may struggle in Ange’s quick, pressing, space-exploiting system. Assist potential down.
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Older defenders who struggle playing high line or recovering quickly. They may get punished often.
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Defensive midfielders whose primary role is break-up play. Less glamour, fewer direct returns under Ange’s style.
What Statr & All Fantasy Managers Need to Do
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Wait & Watch — but not too long.
Gameweek 4 will be messy. New manager bounce is real, but so are teething issues. See how Ange sets up, but start planning moves now. -
Target Wide Attackers.
Ange builds through the flanks. Ndoye, Hutchinson, etc these are the names to track. He builds confidence in his wingers early. -
Downgrade Forest Defensive Assets.
Ange’s teams concede chances. It’s part of the trade-off. Forest defenders will be exposed more. Don’t expect clean sheets.
Final Word — How to Play Your Forest Assets
If you already have Forest players, don’t panic. Nuno was safe. If you can, shift your focus toward attacking assets in that squad. Hudson Odoi, Morgan Gibbs White. Kalimuendo, Hutchinson, McAtee are now more attractive. Drop or avoid players unlikely to thrive in a high-pressure, high-energy attacking setup if you want returns. I would be worried about Milenkovic.
Ange’s arrival changes the ceiling, even if the floor might drop first.
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