Ange Postecoglou says Nottingham Forest have 'collective determination to achieve something' in first European campaign for 30 years

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Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, Nottingham Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou has spoken of his squad's hunger to "achieve something" in the UEFA Europa League, as they prepare to return to the European stage for the first time in 30 years. Forest take on Real Betis on Wednesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. "There’s a real collective determination," the 2025 Europa League winner said.

Forest excitement on return to Europe 'not lost on players', insists Postecoglou

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Ange Postecoglou has vowed that his Nottingham Forest squad have "a real collective determination to achieve something" in Europe this season.

Forest will compete in the UEFA Europa League, having initially qualified for the UEFA Conference League before Crystal Palace were demoted from the Europa League, with Forest taking their place.

It will be the first time in 30 years that Forest have played European football, since they competed in the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) in 1996.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Postecoglou, who led Spurs to Europa League glory last season to end a 17-year trophy-less spell for the club, is hoping for more European success with his new club.

"I know that much about being in Europe - you need a strong collective because of the number of games you play," Postecoglou said ahead of Wednesday's game against Real Betis - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"And there’s a real collective determination to achieve something. This club hasn’t been in Europe for 30 years, so you can imagine the excitement from our fans and everyone involved with the club.

"That’s not lost on the players, and they want to make the most of it."

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Europe 'gets you away from Premier League bubble'

Postecoglou has had a tricky start to his Forest tenure after he arrived three games into the season.

His first match was in familiar north London territory when they were defeated 3-0 by Arsenal, before losing to Championship side Swansea City in the League Cup.

Forest were held to a draw against Burnley in their most recent outing, as Postecoglou continues his search for his first win.

"We’ve tried to work really hard on allowing the players the opportunity to take on board what we’re trying to do," Postecoglou said.

"I think it’s two weeks to the day we took over and the fourth game. But we’ve seen progress in the first three and that’s the encouraging bit and we’re looking forward to more tomorrow night.

"I think when you’re taking over while the season’s already started, there’s got to be some sense of what you’re inheriting.

"I think the main priority is the players for me. I don’t want to make them too uncomfortable that they can’t perform, so I’m trying to provide a platform of some comfort in terms of what they know and also slowly evolve them into the team we want them to be."

Postecoglou added that he is pleased to have European football this season, as it allows his side to take a break from the Premier League and challenge themselves in different situations.

"I like all the competitions, but just being in Europe generally - the last three years I have been at clubs that have had European involvement and it’s great," he said.

"It’s exciting and it gets you away from the Premier League bubble. The new format means you just don’t know what sort of challenges you’re going to have along the way.

"[Real Betis] are a tough challenge, that’s for sure, irrespective of who else you’ve got in the line-up. Whenever you’re playing a side from Spain in their home country, that’s always a tough tie, but that’s part of the excitement - to test yourself."

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