- Ange Postecoglou led his first training session at Nottingham Forest after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi described the session as intense and a shift from previous tactics.
- Espirito Santo was dismissed despite securing European qualification last season.
- Hudson-Odoi praised Espirito Santo’s impact but is optimistic about the new era.
- Forest face Arsenal on Saturday in Postecoglou’s first game in charge.
Ange Postecoglou wasted no time stamping his authority at Nottingham Forest, leading a high-intensity training session just hours after being named head coach. The former Tottenham manager was appointed on Tuesday following the abrupt dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo, whose tenure ended after a breakdown with club owner Evangelos Marinakis and a 3–0 defeat to West Ham.
Postecoglou’s arrival marks a swift return to management, just three months after his shock exit from Spurs — a departure that came days after lifting the Europa League trophy. Now at the City Ground, the 59-year-old Australian is tasked with building on Forest’s recent success, including their first European qualification since 1995.
Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who thrived under Espirito Santo last season, admitted the first session under Postecoglou was a culture shock. Known for his attacking philosophy, Postecoglou’s approach contrasts sharply with the defensive setup favored by his predecessor. Hudson-Odoi described the session as “tough but good,” emphasizing the urgency to adapt quickly ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
Despite the managerial shake-up, Hudson-Odoi expressed excitement about the new chapter, while also reflecting warmly on his bond with Espirito Santo. The former Chelsea player credited the Portuguese coach for his development and said the departure was bittersweet.
Postecoglou inherits a squad that finished seventh last season and will be expected to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions. His debut match against Arsenal will be a litmus test for how quickly Forest can transition to his dynamic style of play.
