Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo continues to remain level-headed despite Nottingham Forest recording a sixth win on the spin by seeing off Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0.
The Reds marked the 50th anniversary of club legend Brian Clough’s appointment as manager with a big victory at Molineux. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi clinched all three points for Nuno’s men, although they were also indebted to some big saves from Matz Sels.
Forest are level on points with second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table and are only six adrift of league leaders Liverpool. A meeting with Arne Slot’s side is on the horizon as the Reds’ next league game, but before then they host Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Below is a look at what Nuno had to say after the final whistle against Wolves.
On the result and performance…
“I wouldn’t say it was a fantastic performance. It was a good performance.
“We started really well. We were lucky to score really early, which helped us to settle down. But Wolves reacted really well and Matz was massively impressive for us and kept us in the game.
“After that, we scored again and then we controlled the second half really well. We managed the momentum of the game, had chances and had good combinations. Overall, I wouldn’t say it was fantastic but it was a very good performance based on the hard work of the players.”
On whether Forest are in the title race…
“We play Luton in the FA Cup at the City Ground next, which is huge for us. It is a good chance for us.
“I’m sorry to not answer your question, but this is the reality. We must prepare well for that game. The FA Cup is important and it is a good chance for us in terms of the squad. We can give minutes to players because it is a very long season and we need all the players to have minutes. They need to have fitness and rhythm. So first, Luton.”
On being in a promising league position on the 50th anniversary of Clough’s appointment…
“It means a lot for us because Brian Clough is a legend of the club. You can see it all over Nottingham, in our stadium and in our training ground, references to Brian Clough. That can only inspire us.
“But we have to keep on going. Our happiness is based on how the players are working together; this is what makes us really proud and happy.”
On Gibbs-White scoring against his former club…
“I think it means a lot. Every time he scores it’s important because we need him and his talent.
“Of course, for us who have been here at Wolves, it has a different feeling on it. I know he is forever thankful to Wolves. His career continued to Forest and it was not the first time he returned to Molineux. We need him to score.”
On what a first goal of the season will do for Awoniyi’s confidence…
“A lot. We were delighted; especially his teammates were delighted for him – the way he celebrated and even in the dressing room.
“We need T. He is taking a while, but we are very happy for him. He deserves everything. He is such a nice guy.”
On Danilo travelling with the squad as he nears an injury comeback…
“We have been talking about the return of Danilo. We don’t have to rush but we considered it was important for him to come with the squad to get in the flow of the meetings and travelling to the hotel.
“He is going to be involved against Luton. Let’s see if he can get on the pitch or not.
“(Ibrahim) Sangare is also returning. We need everybody. But for Danilo, it was nice to have him around and his smile is good.”
On when he will look at the Premier League table…
“I don’t know, maybe the end of the season I’ll probably take a look. The final game.
“At the end of the season I will take a look. I promise you guys I will take a look at it.”
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