Ange Postecoglou has endured a nightmare start at Nottingham Forest, and two familiar Celtic faces twisted the knife on Wednesday night.
Swansea City, 2-0 down at half time in the League Cup, roared back to beat Forest 3-2 with a stoppage-time winner. And the comeback wasn’t just dramatic, it carried a strong Celtic connection.
Adam Idah, making his first start since sealing a £6.5m move from Celtic, led the line for Swansea. The Irish striker didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he played his part in the fightback before being subbed off.
On the sidelines, Darren O’Dea, another ex-Celtic man now coaching at Swansea, played his part in the turnaround. O’Dea came through the ranks at Parkhead, featured in huge games under Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon, and has been carving out his path in coaching at Celtic Park also before the move to Wales. Wednesday’s win would have felt surreal in many ways for the Irishman.
For Postecoglou, that’s now two defeats from two since stepping into the Forest dugout. The Australian arrived with fanfare after his Spurs sacking, but this early cup exit will sting. Supporters expected a statement. Instead, they got a collapse.
Postecoglou knows the pressure is on. Forest invested in him as a big-name appointment, but patience will wear thin if results don’t turn quickly. Losing to a Swansea side who looked down and out at half time will leave the fans baffled.
Well done to Adam and Darren though.
