Spanish media launch scathing Ange Postecoglou criticism after Nottingham Forest draw vs Real Betis

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Ange Postecoglou will have been pretty pleased with what he saw from his Nottingham Forest side against Real Betis, but the Spanish media were far from impressed.

Forest drew 2-2 with Betis in their first game back in Europe in 30 years, making the point a respectable one even if the Reds had chances to take all three.

Igor Jesus earned praise for scoring his second brace in Forest colours, while Joe Cole was in awe of Elliot Anderson’s display against Betis as the Englishman played a key role in the Reds’ excellent attacking showing in the first half in particular.

However, Antony’s late equaliser meant that Postecoglou’s side had to settle for a point in Seville, leading to an unexpectedly harsh reaction from the Spanish press.

Spanish media criticise Nottingham Forest ‘collapse’ vs Real Betis

The game shifted after halftime when Douglas Luiz came off with a hamstring issue, with the Reds struggling to maintain the same level of control without the Brazilian midfielder.

Until Antony’s goal, though, Betis weren’t exactly creating gilt-edged chances that were troubling Matz Sels in goal.

However, the Spanish press weren’t keen on crediting Forest for their strong showing in Seville, with El Pais criticising Postecoglou’s side for not finishing Betis off when they had the chance.

The report said: “It [Antony’s goal] was a well-deserved reward for a strong second half for Betis, in which they managed to improve their defensive errors to prevail over a Nottingham side that, after an excellent first half, collapsed to show why they are struggling in the Premier League, where they sit in 15th place.

“Postecoglou, their manager, is still without a win after four matches in charge of the English team.”

On paper, it’s probably fair to say that Forest should be flying back to Nottingham with all three points, but Postecoglou should be focusing on what was an impressive attacking display from a side still adapting to his methods.

Nottingham Forest were electric in attack against Real Betis

Forest fans hailed Igor Jesus’ display after his two goals, but it was a team effort that saw the Reds dominate Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis side for a significant period of the game.

Forest dominated their Spanish opponents in terms of shots, but it wasn’t as if they were just shooting for the sake of it, registering a 3.27 xG that should’ve been enough to secure victory.

The Reds dominated territorially where it counted, too, having 12 more touches in the opposition box, with many seen in the 15 minutes of dominance before half-time.

Forest are still adapting to Postecoglou’s methods and it would be easy to look at the four results and question whether they are working, but Wednesday’s performance against Betis highlighted that Forest are moving in an exciting direction in the attacking third.