Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says he remains satisfied with the team’s progress this season, despite falling short of UEFA Champions League qualification.
NaijNaira learnt the Portuguese manager praised his players’ work ethic and unity after Forest clinched a UEFA Conference League place—marking their first return to European competition in over 30 years.
Forest’s campaign was bolstered by the performances of Nigerian duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi. While Aina held firm in defence, Awoniyi endured a tough season, battling injuries—including a recent intestinal rupture. He made his return against Chelsea, but Forest’s narrow loss confirmed their absence from next season’s Champions League.
Despite that disappointment, Nuno found plenty of positives to take from the campaign.
“We should be proud of the way we have a group of people who want to help each other to improve, including through bad times like today. We stick together,” he said, as quoted by the Nottingham Post.
Forest finished seventh in the Premier League table, just two points behind Newcastle United, who claimed the final Champions League spot. While the mood at the City Ground was understandably deflated after the final matchday, Nuno acknowledged the long journey the club had undertaken in recent years.
“We are disappointed, but in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it’s been good,” he added. “It has been a very demanding season, especially for the players. I don’t know how many have started more than 30 games. They gave it their all.”
Awoniyi’s return late in the season was met with support from teammates, who celebrated goals in his honor, holding up shirts bearing his number. Meanwhile, Aina remained a consistent presence in defence as Forest secured critical points throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Forest will compete in the UEFA Conference League next term. While not the elite European stage they hoped for, it’s a sign of the club’s progress under Nuno’s leadership.
“It’s too early to reflect on everything,” Nuno concluded. “Now we have to rest, and deservedly so.”
Article updated 5 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
