‘Nottingham Forest signed Shevchenko’ as Ange Postecoglou makes gaffe over new player

Nottingham Forest have appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach and the Australian manager made a gaff when he claimed he’d signed ‘Shevchenko’ from Arsenal

Ange Postecoglou made a gaff in a recent conference, mistakenly claiming to reporters he’d signed “Shevchenko” on loan from Arsenal.

Postecoglou – the new appointment as Nottingham Forest’s new manager as of September 9 – was addressing the press as one of his earliest appearances as the boss. In a snippet shared to X, Postecoglou was speaking about the players available to him. “Shevchenko, obviously – he’s on loan from Arsenal”.

It is very likely Postecoglou actually meant Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko, the Arsenal ace who is on loan from the Gunners, rather than great Andriy Shevchenko, who hung up his boots in 2012. “Ange signing Shevchenko on loan from Arsenal was impressive,” one amused supporter penned ironically.

The Australian assumed control at the City Ground following a frantic week that saw the 60 year old step in for Nuno Espirito Santo. His managerial track record – which continued at Spurs where he claimed the Europa League – shows he typically delivers trophies in his second campaign.

However, considering Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s volatile reputation, even the candid Postecoglou acknowledged the mounting pressure.

When questioned about his impressive history, Forest’s new boss revealed: “I won a couple of trophies in my first season as well. In my first year at Celtic, I won a double.”

Asked whether he could claim silverware during his inaugural campaign in the east Midlands, he replied: “Yeah, of course I can. I might have to, to have a second year.”

Postecoglou revealed he cut short his 60th birthday festivities to take a phone call that ultimately led to his appointment replacing Nuno at the City Ground.

He explained that ‘a few mates had come around to celebrate a kind of ‘Hangover’ weekend – referencing the iconic movie.

This was disrupted by discussions regarding the potential vacancy at the home of the two-time former European Champions.

When asked about managing Marinakis, he concluded: “I don’t know – I’ve only met him a few times and just said: ‘Yes,’ to him.

“People can’t deny that he’s taken over this football club for the right intentions. It wasn’t a vehicle for people to find out who he is or to thrust himself into the spotlight. He wants to have a team of winners. It’s not easy.

“He could have gone to London, taken over one of the big clubs and you are guaranteed success.”