Nottingham Forest’s League Cup drought extends back to 1990.
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou lamented his team’s complacency after Championship side Swansea staged a late comeback with two stoppage-time goals to secure a Carabao Cup upset.
Igor Jesus’s first-half brace had seemingly put the Premier League side in a commanding position in their third-round encounter.
However, Cameron Burgess’s goal ignited Swansea’s hopes, and in a dramatic conclusion, Zan Vipotnik equalized before Burgess, an Australian international, completed the turnaround, sending the 2013 champions into the next round.
“We needed to finish the game off, and we had ample opportunities to do so. Some decisions didn’t go our way,” Postecoglou commented.
“I believe the players became a bit too comfortable, and they need to recognize the warning signs.
“They perhaps assumed the game would naturally conclude in their favor, and we’ve paid a significant price for that. We need to show improvement.”
The former Spurs manager had indicated that this match would be a showcase of his influence on the team he inherited from Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
Instead, Forest conceded three goals for the second consecutive game under Postecoglou, who added: “Tonight presented a great opportunity to progress in a cup competition and pursue success, and to let it slip is deeply disappointing.
“But it doesn’t alter our course; we understand the areas we need to focus on.”
Forest displayed glimpses of the attacking football associated with Postecoglou, who was dismissed by Tottenham in the summer despite leading them to Europa League qualification last season.
However, Swansea’s late heroics denied even the possibility of penalties, with Postecoglou stating: “We should have managed the situation better.
“While we can acknowledge positive individual performances, the overriding fact remains that we’re out of the cup when we should have progressed.
“There were promising performances, but they are overshadowed by the fact that we missed an opportunity to advance.”
When asked about his frustration that the upset would maintain focus on him ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley, Postecoglou responded: “That’s fine; it’s not about me, it’s about the club. It’s about our progression and creating an environment where we can achieve genuine success.”
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