Postecoglou's Final Message to Forest Players Minutes Before Sacking

Ange Postecoglou's parting message to Nottingham Forest players has been revealed after he was sacked just minutes after a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Despite promise in the first half, Forest were beaten 3-0 at home in the early kick-off at the City Ground - with Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James all on target.

The result stretched Postecoglou's winless run at Forest to eight and with pressure increasing, Forest decided to part company with a second manager.

A statement was put out shortly after the full-time whistle confirming Postecoglou's sacking after just 39 days in the job.

Postecoglou was sacked after the Chelsea defeat on Saturday. Image: Getty

He did not take part in post-match interviews or press commitments, instead leaving the stadium and heading to the car park on his own with a bag on his back.

The circumstances in which the sacking happened are almost unprecedented, with The Athletic providing a detailed report on his departure.

Postecoglou learned of his fate around 10 minutes after the game courtesy of a conversation with the club's global technical director, George Syrianos, in the tunnel area.

Then came the official statement from Forest, which had a word for every day Postecoglou lasted in the East Midlands.

But he did return to the home dressing room to speak to his players for the final time, reportedly telling them "he was sorry he could not do more for them" and wishing them best for the future.

Postecoglou lasted just 39 days. Image: Getty

Ryan Yates, a senior figure in the Forest dressing room, was the first player to react to Postecoglou's dismissal, telling the BBC: "He was extremely disappointed like us all. I did some running, came back in and the news was out. When you’re having such bad results it’s never a massive surprise.

"It’s disappointing for us as players. We can do more, we can do better. We need to dust ourselves down really quickly. Whatever steps the club take we need to be fully behind it."

Forest look for third manager

Forest are now looking for their third manager of the season, with a whole of candidates being linked - including Sean Dyche and Marco Silva.

The club have also made contact with former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who has been out of work since leaving his role as the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team last year.

Compatriot Luciano Spalletti was also mentioned as a leading contender but is understood to have rejected the chance to manage in the Premier League.

Forest are 18th in the Premier League and are in Europa League action on Thursday when they host Portuguese giants Porto.