Benítez Emerges as Leading Candidate for Nottingham Forest Job Amid Postecoglou Pressure

Nottingham, UK — Nottingham Forest is reportedly showing a "real interest" in appointing veteran manager Rafael Benítez should the club’s hierarchy decide to part ways with current boss, Ange Postecoglou.

Pressure has mounted significantly on Postecoglou after a dismal start to his reign at the City Ground. The Australian manager, who succeeded Nuno Espírito Santo, is yet to register a victory, with the team's poor run of form leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone after just seven games.

According to reports circulating over the international break, the club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is actively compiling a shortlist of potential replacements, with the Champions League-winning coach, Benítez, featuring prominently as a top candidate. The 65-year-old Spaniard, who is currently out of work since leaving Celta Vigo, is understood to be keen on a swift return to the Premier League.

Benítez brings a wealth of top-flight experience, having managed Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Everton in the Premier League. His tactical acumen and proven ability to stabilize clubs mid-season are reportedly highly attractive to the Forest board as they seek to arrest their current slide.

The speculation intensifies as Postecoglou's tenure is already under heavy scrutiny. Sections of the fanbase have made their discontent known, and the club’s impatient owner is known for making quick decisions regarding managerial changes.

While other names like Sean Dyche and the heavily-admired Marco Silva are also believed to be on the club's radar, Benítez's availability and track record in the Premier League make him a potentially leading and immediate option should Postecoglou fail to turn results around in the coming pivotal fixtures.

All eyes are now on the City Ground ahead of the team's next Premier League clash, a fixture that could prove decisive for the future of Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest.