'This is how Nottingham Forest stars will react to Ange Postecoglou - I've been there'

Joleon Lescott says Nottingham Forest's players must respect the club's decision to sack Nuno Espirito Santo. The 43-year-old also claims they'll do what they're told under new boss Ange Postecoglou.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made a statement of intent this week by relieving Portuguese coach Nuno of his duties after he guided the club to a brilliant 7th place league finish last term. Nuno had been outspoken regarding his and Marinakis's dented relationship this summer and was also critical of Forest's transfer policy.

Ex-Tottenhamand Celticmanager Postecoglou was handed the reins, months after winning the Europa League with Spurs, and former Manchester City defender Lescott has been in this situation before. He has given an insight into how the Forest cohort will cope with and respond to this change, having undergone a similar period at the Etihad when Roberto Mancini was replaced.

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"Well, when I was at City, we were aware that changes were being made with Mancini," said Lescott, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet.

"The following year after the league title win, we were in the FA Cup final, it was like that week, and we were all aware that there was going to be a change made at the end of the season.

"We'd heard the rumours, but we weren't aware that it was definitely happening. Then obviously we lost the game against Wigan in the final, and then it was announced that [Manuel] Pellegrini was coming in.

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"It happened pretty quick, as did Mancini [replacing] Mark Hughes, there was rumours and then all of a sudden he's in charge and as players you just, you understand it happens.

"You kind of respect the decision being made, and obviously you have different relationships with different managers, but within a week or so, you kind of have to do what you're told in terms of listening to the new instructions and the new methods."

Postecoglou, who will take charge for the first time on Saturday against the Gunners, has already let his players know exactly what will be expected of them under his stewardship: silverware. He told the club: "I love winning. I love winning things. It's what I've done.

"I like the fans to be excited about watching the team play. There's already an existing mentality within the group here of working hard for one another, and I want to tap into that.

"It's about now implementing my own ideas. I love my teams to attack. I love my teams to score goals. That's sometimes misconstrued as me just playing one way. But the reason I want my team to play that way is because I love winning things – and that's what I want to do here.

"When you look at what the club has achieved in recent times, it's an outstanding feat to be where we are right now," he continued. "Other clubs that have won promotion have struggled to stay in the league, but in a short space of time we're back in Europe and competing for honours, which is a great credit to everyone involved.

"I get a sense that the club wants more and that's certainly what I want, so I think it's a really exciting time. I'm honoured and I'm humbled, but more importantly I'm determined to make sure this football club takes its rightful place.

"It's a fantastic football club with great history and, even in recent times, it has done really well. You bear that responsibility, but I'm excited and I'm looking forward to it and I'm really happy to be here."

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