Nottingham Forest fans are all saying the same thing about Oleksandr Zinchenko after European return

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Nottingham Forest made their long-awaited return to European action in midweek, as they made the trip to Spain to face off with Real Betis.

The East Midlands outfit are in the process of some change, following the hiring of Ange Postecoglou as manager earlier this month.

The former Tottenham man is yet to taste victory with the club, after a first defeat to Arsenal was followed by defeat to Swansea in the EFL Cup and a draw against Burnley in the Premier League.

With the return of the Europa League, a competition Postecoglou is all too familiar with, there is a chance for Nottingham Forest to do something special.

Real Betis were their first opponents in a tough match, as the two teams cancelled each other out on the night.

An Igor Jesus brace was denied by Cedric Bakambu and Antony, as the two teams settled for a point.

Among those featuring was Oleksandr Zinchenko, who certainly had the Forest fans discussing his performance.

• READ MORE: Michail Antonio and Joe Cole in complete agreement on how Nottingham Forest will do in Europa this season

Nottingham Forest fans question Oleksandr Zinchenko’s defending against Real Betis

Oleksandr Zinchenko joined Nottingham Forest from Arsenal on transfer deadline day as an option to bolster the full-back ranks.

The Ukrainian international is a different profile from the others at the club, offering more of a midfield presence than holding width.

While he has plenty of technical quality, there are question marks over his defending, something that Forest fans are starting to question themselves.

With two goals conceded, some supporters took to social media to criticise Zinchenko’s role in the finishes.

One fan said: “I blame Zinchenko for both of Betis goals so far.”

Another added: “I can’t watch anything apart from Zinchenko’s positioning, it’s mental.”

One supporter questioned the whole balance of the left flank, stating: “Poor press. Poor from Morato. Poor from Zinchenko. That left-hand side defence is a massive liability.”

“Do left-backs and right-backs even tackle anymore? Come on, Oleksandr Zinchenko,” another said.

Others questioned the role, saying: “Zinchenko is nice and tidy on the ball, drifting into midfield and getting involved with attacks but he doesn’t want to defend does he? No interest at all in doing his job.”

Another fan did praise him by saying: “Other than the obvious players, who have been outstanding, I think Zinchenko is looking very good. One of the most entertaining halves of football I’ve watched in a long time.”

For Zinchenko, it makes for a tough start to life at Nottingham Forest, as everyone adjusts to a new way of playing.

• READ MORE: What Arsenal fans chanted at Ange Postecoglou as Nottingham Forest boss makes excuse

Oleksandr Zinchenko points towards new Nottingham Forest style

Part of the frustration for Nottingham Forest fans may come from the total change in style, and therefore a different profile of player.

For the club to play the way Postecoglou wants them to, there is a risk that they will be far more open.

That is balanced with entertainment and the idea that they can outscore the opposition, which hasn’t quite happened in the early days.

However, to go from the defensive solidity of Ola Aina to the technical ability of Zinchenko, with the trade-off of that defensive nous, comes some getting used to.

If the wins start flowing, perhaps that view will change for the supporters.