POSTECOGLOU RELISHING 'EXCITING' CHALLENGE

AS Nottingham Forest prepare to make their return to the European stage, Ange Postecoglou is plotting how to repeat past success.

- By SARAH CLAPSON

The Reds head coach knows how to win the Europa League, having lifted the trophy with Tottenham Hotspur last season. His new challenge is to do the same with Forest.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis was explicit about his desire to win trophies when Postecoglou's appointment was announced earlier this month. Little would please the Greek businessman more than to be celebrating in Istanbul next May, when the Europa League final takes place.

It has been three decades since the Reds enjoyed a continental adventure, so their manager's experience will be vital. If Postecoglou can match Spurs’ achievement of last term, he would become the first boss to win the Europa League in consecutive years with two different clubs.

"I thoroughly enjoyed last year," Postecoglou said ahead of tomorrow night's clash away against Real Betis (8pm).

"I had two years at Celtic where we were in Europe as well.

"It's a great experience. Playing away from home you experience different environments, different cultures and different styles of football. It's very challenging. It can test you in many ways - physically and mentally.

"You have got to use every minute of the day to make sure you are recovering mentally and physically for the next challenge. Just being part of it is genuinely exciting, even for me as a manager.