Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news, Ramon Sosa "is still to arrive" after being on international duty with Paraguay, long-term absentees Danilo and Sangare "definitely can't be involved" and he also revealed "there's some situations to manage and decide".

• On facing Arsenal, he said: "We always believe we can compete. We're going to face a good, tough team. We're going to compete doing the things we want, but it's going to be a tough game."

• On Forest's set-piece improvement he said: "The first step was the awareness of the players to understand we had to improve that aspect. Their involvement was massive because they really put some effort on it, a lot of time spent doing it on the training ground and staying focused. The credit is for them."

• Forest are yet to lose away from home this season and on the club's away form he said: "The players realise there's no game that we can change our approach, home and away has to be the same. It's harder because we don't have the City Ground behind us but we will have a lot of fans at the Emirates to support us."

• He said Chris Wood is "amazing" after the striker continued his good form with five goals over the international break for his country. "I'm delighted for him that he's breaking all the records in New Zealand," said Nuno.

• Murillo was part of the Brazilian national side but didn't feature. Nuno believes patience is key for the 22-year-old, saying: "We have to be proud of our players that are being involved in their national team squad, to be involved for Brazil shows the quality he has and he has to be patient and wait for his chance but I'm delighted he was involved."

• He was asked if he's surprised with the start to the season his side have had, with the club sitting fifth in the table and said: "What I expect and what the players give to us is total commitment to do things right. From the outside it can be surprising but for us? No. We work every day with them, we know the quality and talent they have, we demand a lot from them but we have to stay humble and realise it's a very long and tough season."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nottingham Forest will demand in excess of £70m for Brazilian defender Murillo, who is wanted by Liverpool. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Including stoppage time, Nottingham Forest have been behind for just 102 minutes and 34 seconds in the Premier League this season, less time than any other side.

Meanwhile, Chris Wood has scored 53.3% of the Reds' league goals so far (eight out of 15). Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (54.5%) has netted a higher share in 2024-25.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is in talks to buy Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, with any purchase likely to mean former Arsenal sporting director Edu being given a key role. (Telegraph), external

Want more transfer stories and gossip? Read Wednesday's full column

Nottingham Forest's strong start to the Premier League season should have the Reds once again dreaming of making a return to European competition, says award-winning football writer Henry Winter.

After two seasons battling to avoid relegation, Forest have made a strong start to the campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo and are fifth in the table after 11 matches.

Asked if the two-time European Cup winners could realistically finish high enough to qualify for one of the continental competitions, Winter said the East Midlands club have the pedigree to make it happen.

"If you look at the top of the Premier League table, it's only Arsenal that haven't won a Champions League or European Cup. Nottingham Forest have got two of them," Winter told BBC East Midlands Today.

"I can remember going into the old board room and just seeing the two replica cups up there. I started out covering the tail end of Brian Clough's career [as Forest manager] and I think European football and Nottingham Forest are not exactly strangers.

"So absolutely, why not? They are expanding the European competitions and Nottingham Forest could completely be in that."

Nottingham Forest will ignore any approaches for 22-year-old Brazil defender Murillo in January, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Saveena Johal
Fan writer

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Our Yatesy - he encapsulates just what it means to be a Forest fan.

As one of our own, his understanding and respect for our club is greater than we could imagine, demonstrated in his performances both on and off the pitch. Brian Clough had a similar sort of player in Forest legend John McGovern.

Yates aggravates opposition players and their fans. Drawing fouls is his forte and he does so with a smile. He breaks up play and is a great exponent of the dark arts, perfectly executing this in every single match. Endearing to the Forest community, to others it is effortlessly irritating.

Already this season, he has captained Forest to a remarkable victory at Liverpool, dominating World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister in the process.

However, despite being an integral part of the team, his work goes largely unnoticed. As the linchpin of a team firmly on the rise, he deserves an international call-up.

Hopefully, he will be up for consideration soon. There should undoubtedly be a place for his enthusiasm and tenacity in the England squad - causing mischief in midfield is his strength after all.

Saveena Johal can be found at Punjabi Forest, external

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

So what do you want to ask for a former player. Best opponent? Most memorable team-mate he played with?

Or maybe you're just interested in what next for your club this season?

Send in your questions, external

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There has been some pressure on players carrying an injury going into international breaks with their national side because you are contracted to these clubs and that is where your income is.

But, for me, as a player I had a similar mindset to Harry Kane that I would always be available - injured or not injured. I would have injections when I was on international duty just so I could represent my country because it meant that much.

It is difficult, however. If you look at Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola's comments, he has a point because the forward has not been able to play for Manchester City because of injuries. So if you have been sidelined for three or four games, I would agree that you are then not fit and available to go on international duty.

But when you look at some of the other players, ones who have been playing and being managed by their club, then I do not see it being different to being played and managed by your country.

From the club's side, when they are competing at such high levels in the Premier League, you can understand why they would want their players to be rested and get fully fit again over the two weeks, rather than having to come back straight into a hectic period of fixtures.

I kind of get it from both points of view but, as a player, if I am half fit and being played by my club, I would be fully available for my national team.

It is really difficult with the pressure that is on the players, though. I would not look at it as a decision players have made solely.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Nottingham Forest have joined Premier League rivals Brentford, Fulham and Newcastle United in chasing Botafogo and Brazil striker Igor Jesus, 23. (TBR), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

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In the final part of Friday's Q&A session, our Nottingham Forest expert Colin Fray assesses where the squad might need to improve.

David asked: As great as Forest have been this season so far, to move on to the next level, where do you think the squad could be improved?

Colin answered: Any manager will tell you there is always the chance to improve the squad. No manager will ever be fully happy with where they are because there is always something else to aim at.

As has been said many times by many people, I think they will look to add depth to the striker position but they will not be held to ransom and they will be keeping an eye on the figures.

One or two signings can often make a big difference. Look at how solid Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have been as a centre-back pairing. You would say that has taken Forest up a level but that will not mean they are not still looking to improve in every position.

Matz Sels' recent good form has perhaps moved the conversation on from bringing in another goalkeeper, but they may feel they want to add a third senior goalkeeper to give them a bit more cover - or ideally, to challenge Sels for the start.

Listen to full commentary on every Nottingham Forest game, and In The Game every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Nottingham.

And subscribe to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on BBC Sounds.

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BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray has been answering your questions about Nottingham Forest.

Barry asked: What can Edu bring to the 'Marinakis Football Group' if he is appointed following his departure from Arsenal? Would his recruitment have a negative response with the Forest recruitment staff after the best transfer window in decades at the City Ground?

Colin answered: It is going to be interesting to see what effect Edu can bring if his appointment is confirmed.

I would expect, in the same way as with a football dressing room, staff would see his arrival as a boost to their squad rather than being a rival.

The role would be a little different with him working across multiple clubs, but he now has five years of experience with the Gunners and if he can recreate the work he did there to help Forest progress, it should help them to the next level.

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Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has been continuing his fine form in front of goal while on international duty by scoring two goals in one minute to help New Zealand seal an 8-1 victory over Vanuatu in World Cup qualifying.

The 32-year-old was awarded Premier League player of the month for October, becoming the first New Zealander and also the first Reds player to win the prize.

Wood has been involved in top-flight stints with West Brom, Leicester City, Burnley, Newcastle United and Forest - but it is at the City Ground where he seems to have found his career-best form.

And he will be hoping to improve his eight goals in 11 league games so far this season when the Premier League returns on 23 November.

Image source, Getty Images

Our Nottingham Forest expert Colin Fray has been answering your questions, including one about what it is like dealing with manager after a match.

Al asked: Do you ever dread an interview? I am a big Nuno Espirito Santo fan because he wears his heart on his sleeve, but would not have fancied interviewing him after a few controversial games recently. How do you manage a manager after these incidents?

Colin answered: The simple answer is yes, sometimes... although I cannot say I have had that experience with Nuno so far!

The key thing is to have some empathy for the situation the manager is in. They do not have many minutes to gather their thoughts and calm down after the emotion of a football match before they are thrust in front of the cameras and microphones.

It is not an easy thing for them to come out and be interviewed at times. So, a bit of empathy can go a long way, as can politeness, and there is a bit of a golden rule which most managers appreciate if you stick to: the interview is about gathering their opinions, not giving yours.

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Over the course of Friday, BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray will be answering your questions about Nottingham Forest.

Tony asked: Do we stick or twist in the January transfer window? Do we have the right team to challenge for a European place or do we still need to strengthen? And can we afford to?

Colin answered: There is little doubt that Forest - and ambitious owner Evangelos Marinakis - will look to strengthen further in the January transfer window, but not necessarily in a race to try to earn European football this season.

Some of Forest's transfer work has been heavily criticised since returning to the Premier League, but there have been signs that they have been getting it right after all.

Few would argue with the fees paid (or not) for the current starting XI - or indeed the rest of the squad.

They have found good value signings in the likes of Nikola Milenkovic, for instance, and in the summer they notably did not spend over the odds on inflated fees for some potential targets.

So, expect more building in a similar fashion, certainly with an eye on the PSR rules. And do not forget, the vast majority of supporters would have accepted a mid-table finish this season - even a lower mid-table final position would represent progress from previous seasons.

Any challenge for Europe would be a huge bonus, rather than something to be expected.

Listen to full commentary on every Nottingham Forest game, and In The Game every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Nottingham.

And subscribe to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on BBC Sounds.

Nottingham Forest are under no pressure to sell £40m-rated defender Murillo in January, despite interest from Real Madrid. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Nottingham Forest supporter and South American football journalist Nathan Joyes, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast about why Brazil fans are excited about defender Murillo's call-up to the national team:

"It's that 'jogo bonito' [beautiful game] style of play. We all see it in his game - he has at least one shot every game when he sees that he can break into the midfield. You could describe it as kamikaze, but it's organised as well. There's logic to the madness and it seems to work. It seems to catch opponents out.

"That's what I grew up with watching Brazilian football - it was that confidence, that flair, that attacking style of play. If he can step out and help out the midfield for Brazil, that's what Brazilian fans want. They don't want this organised, structured, European style of play.

"What has made Brazilian football so special is because they are unique and they have this 'jogo bonito' style and Murillo fits that trend. It is really refreshing and Brazilian fans want that because a large part of their squad are based in Europe.

"When they've been struggling, there's not that affinity any more between the fans and the players. Murillo is playing in Europe but he's only just gone and it's refreshing to see his style of play, so I think they want to recapture that spark of their identity."

Venezuela v Brazil kicks off at 21:00 GMT

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

The latest episode of Shut Up And Show More Football has landed - and this week the focus is on Murillo.

David Jackson and Colin Fray are joined by South American football journalist Nathan Joyes to discuss the Brazilian receiving his first senior international call-up and whether Nicolas Dominguez could get back into the Argentina team for the World Cup qualifiers.

And is fifth in the Premier League, after 11 games, really that bad?

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

With only four points separating third and 13th, we do not normally see that many teams in this type of mini league.

Normally, you might have the teams in a pack around the top four or five and then another pack underneath that with your relegation pack as well, so the fact there is so many teams in it at this stage is making it different.

From the mental side of competing in that, you look at Manchester United who have struggled so much this season and are sitting 13th. If they get a win, it can shoot them right up the table. They are in a position to think they are only a few points off the Champions League places' and that is good.

But it can work both ways.

Knowing the points are so close can keep you strong, keep you competing and have that competitiveness because you know a result can jump you up. But on the flipside, you could easily go from seventh down to 13th in one weekend or from third down to 10th.

How you deal with it depends on the manager, the players and also the psychologists within the group. Psychology in sport is really important for whether you see the situation as a positive or a negative.

Whether it stays like this all season is hard to say as there have been some really inconsistent performances and results. The most consistent team is the one sitting at the top.

I do not know what the rest of the campaign has in store for these sides because all the teams seem to be able to take points off each other this season.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Nottingham Forest's 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back Murillo. (Sport in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Is there something that you want to ask about Nottingham Forest?

BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray will be taking part in a Q&A session later this week.

Submit your question here, external and come back to this page on Friday for a selection of replies

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

Sometimes a reality check is required.

Nobody enjoys losing but it keeps everything in perspective. If Nottingham Forest had beaten Newcastle United on Sunday they would have been just a point behind Manchester City and firmly in third position.

Going into the international break, that would have been dreamland for Forest supporters. After all, we are allowed to dream. But maybe a check on our ambitions keeps Nuno Espirito Santo's squad focused on the next run of games.

With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa coming up, the reality of this season will be laid bare by Christmas. Nothing is impossible, although you only have to look back a few months to see how far we have come.

Battling relegation for two seasons in a row, scraping by to get to the final games, seems a long time ago. But the same lessons apply - you can learn a lot from defeat, sometimes more than victory. The next two weeks are a chance for reflection on the past few months, as well as plans for the future.

The evident togetherness, unity and understanding in the squad has got us so far, and setbacks will always happen. Analysing how Eddie Howe's team picked us apart in the second half will prove a valuable learning.

The solidity in defence has served us well, as has our pressing and counter-attacking.

However, while we will have our off days, there is no doubt Nuno is looking to further evolve our tactics so that we can be on a more equal footing in games against the elite clubs we aim to emulate.

As it stands, Forest remain third - albeit joint-third alongside Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton. Nobody - absolutely nobody - predicted that after 11 games. So perhaps the reality check is as much for everybody else as it is for Forest.

Underestimate us at your own peril.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Gav asked: Has Nottingham Forest's bubble burst? They were totally outclassed in every department by Newcastle on Sunday.

Phil answered: No. One defeat to a good side playing well, even at home, does not mean a bubble has burst.

Nottingham Forest have had the sort of start to the season that has probably wildly exceeded even their own expectations.

There will be reality checks along the road but no way will I be jumping to the sort of knee-jerk conclusions suggesting a bubble has burst after one loss.