'We will support Danilo in any way possible'published at 17:53 17 August
17:53 17 August
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Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about Danilo's first-half injury in their draw with Bournemouth: "It's not a nice one when a team-mate goes down on the pitch like that. He is a great guy and loved by everyone. We will be here to support him in any way possible for him and the family and I know he will come back stronger.
"As footballers you just want to play a nice game and not have to worry about anything like that. It is not nice to see and we will support him.
"Whatever it is, he will come back stronger and come back a better man."
On his goal: "Let's hope that continues. I want to keep contributing and keep scoring goals. We were good in phases today and we need a more complete performance."
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth: What Espirito Santo said published at 17:47 17 August
17:47 17 August
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Nuno Espirito Santo spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Nottingham Forest's draw with Bournemouth: "I'm disappointed with how we concede, we had the game under control. It was a tough game, a good game, both teams had momentum. We could have had more.
"We don't know exactly [on the extent of Danilo's injury], we know it's serious. It's unfortunate for him as he is a nice boy, in a good moment. We are going to miss him.
"I think we have a good squad that allows us to have options coming from the bench. But we are going to miss Danilo because he is a top player.
"Chris Wood did well, he gives us another option. Overall I am happy. It's the first game of the season. I am satisfied with the way we played and competed against a tough team. It was a good game, they had chances, we had chances. Let's go for the next one."
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth: Elanga impressespublished at 17:36 17 August
17:36 17 August
Adam Millington BBC Sport journalist
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In the end, Nottingham Forest's promising first-half display was not enough to beat Bournemouth in their opening game of the Premier League season.
But elements of their performance were definitely encouraging - not least the work of winger Anthony Elanga.
Elanga's well-timed runs, pace out wide and intricate footwork constantly troubled the Bournemouth defence and carved out chances for Forest in the final third.
He also dropped inside when needed as Forest's front line regularly switched positions to try to outsmart the Cherries.
Elanga wasn't alone in being impressive - both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White were also difficult for Bournemouth to handle - but was a standout player.
Forest were unable to keep things under control at the back and deliver the victory their attacking strength probably deserved, but the fact they were strong going forward is positive nevertheless.
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth - send us your thoughtspublished at 17:05 17 August
Stability the key at Forest as Nuno seeks progress published at 12:04 17 August
12:04 17 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport Football News Reporter
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Nottingham Forest move into their third season back in the Premier League looking for stability.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he has seen progress in his squad since he arrived last December and, with that, should come the top flight security the club will crave.
A second consecutive brush with relegation last season came with the backdrop of the four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules and a very public row over refereeing appointments and standards.
The club has backed the changes and additional transparency offered by referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League for this season and Nuno has said he will try to avoid confrontation with officials.
Forest are confident they can avoid another season of struggle and that they kick off against Bournemouth with Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo still in the building shows they have, so far, kept their best assets.
A season of mid-table mediocrity may not sound exciting or glamorous but, for those at the City Ground, it would represent real progress and show Forest can start to establish themselves in the top flight.
Follow Saturday's fixtures livepublished at 11:39 17 August
11:39 17 August
There are six games on the opening Saturday of the 2024-25 Premier League and BBC Sport will bring you all the action and reaction throughout the day.
Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Bournemouthpublished at 11:16 17 August
11:16 17 August
A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.
Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.
He will have a guest each week this time too, but now you can find out if you can do any better.
Sutton's opponent for the opening round of games is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
I was wondering how Bournemouth would replace Dominic Solanke's goals and then the news broke about them bringing in Brazil striker Evanilson from Porto, which is an exciting signing for their fans.
Things have been relatively quiet at Nottingham Forest compared to what usually happens with the ins and outs there each summer, and hopefully there will be less drama when the season starts too.
I supported Forest as a boy so I always want them to do well, and I do think they will crack the Premier League eventually, and have a smoother ride. Maybe it will be this year.
Bournemouth won 3-2 at the City Ground in December, with Solanke completing his hat-trick with a stoppage-time winner after Forest had been reduced to 10 men just 23 minutes into Nuno Espirito Santo's first game as Forest boss.
I don't see this game having quite so many thrills and spills, and I am going for Forest to edge it.
Liam's prediction: 1-2
Forest are going to be bobbing around the relegation zone again and I fancy an away win here. Bournemouth will miss Solanke but they played some good football last season.
Our reporter asked... You answeredpublished at 09:54 16 August
09:54 16 August
Our football news reporter Nick Mashiter says "a season of anonymity may well be welcomed" at Nottingham Forest, so we asked you what you hope for from this campaign.
Here are some of your comments:
Neil: After two fraught seasons, a mid-table or below finish would suit me. We've retained our best players and had some good additions. I'm so disappointed most predictions make us either favourites for relegation or a 17th-place finish. We're better than this - if we can keep our forwards fit.
Paul: I'll settle for lower mid-table and a decent cup run. No interference from the chairman either would be nice. So yes, a season of anonymity would be fine by me.
Dave: A steady, under the radar, generally uneventful season please. Good home form but with an attacking edge away from home that will surprise a few teams. But this is Forest - so something dramatic will happen.
Kevin: Forest may surprise people this season. I think a realistic aim should be comfortably mid-table - around 12th to 15th. However, I would not be surprised if Forest make a push for the top 10.
Nuno holds quiet confidence before new seasonpublished at 07:39 16 August
07:39 16 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport football news reporter
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Nuno Espirito Santo wore a wry smile when he was asked if he had missed the press this summer.
It opened the Nottingham Forest boss' first news conference of the Premier League season before Saturday's opener at home to Bournemouth.
Nuno is never one to give much away to the media during these sit-downs and remained tight-lipped about any transfer plans before the close, but there is a quiet confidence around the City Ground.
Last season's tally of just 32 points saw them finish 17th, six points above the relegation zone, after the four-point deduction following a profit and sustainability breach.
With a pre-season under Nuno, which he did not have after replacing Steve Cooper in December, the manager is adamant he has seen improvement in the time he has been at the club.
The two European Cups the club won in 1979 and 1980 were also brought through the media area, not being paraded but being moved as the club improves and upgrades the stadium before the curtain-raiser.
They are a fierce reminder of what has been achieved in the past and, while nobody is expecting a challenge for the Champions League spots this season, avoiding a prolonged relegation scrap is expected.
Nuno on team news, improvements and Bournemouthpublished at 15:12 15 August
15:12 15 August
Tasnim Chowdhury BBC Sport Journalist
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On team selection, Nuno said there are no "big issues" and his squad are fine for Forest's opener.
On changes he would like to see at Forest this season: "Hopefully, we improve - that’s the main idea. We now have the real moments to evaluate what we need to improve [and] there’s always a chance to do better."
In his view, one of the main aspects of the transfer window is "that we keep the players we have" and he is "100% sure" they will not encounter further financial problems.
He added: "On a daily basis in the training ground, everyone is there and I hope everyone is there tomorrow and until the last day [of the transfer window]. That’s our priority - to keep all the players that are with us. I realise there’s interest from other clubs but we want to keep them all."
Nuno is "really happy" with the new signings at Forest, but emphasised they will "have to work hard" because of how strong the squad is. He has also not ruled out making further additions: "We want to bring people in who can bring something different to what we have."
On Saturday's opponents who recently sold star striker Dominic Solanke to Tottenham: "We know Bournemouth is a strong squad, They are in the market also. Solanke is a good player [and] he’s not going to be involved in the game but they will have quality players on the pitch."
Focus on results now distractions in the past for Forestpublished at 11:32 15 August
11:32 15 August
Nick Mashiter BBC Sport Football News Reporter
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Nuno Espirito Santo will face the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener with Bournemouth at the City Ground.
The former Wolves boss avoided serious scrutiny last season, getting the job done in terms of survival, but it was hardly straightforward.
The second half of last term appeared chaotic off the pitch; a four-point deduction - and subsequent failed appeal - after a profit and sustainability breach and a public row over VAR and refereeing decisions took the spotlight off results and performances.
Forest won just four of their final 18 league games and there is an argument Nuno was fortunate the focus was elsewhere, otherwise there would have been more scrutiny on him.
As Nuno enters his first full season at the City Ground, there will an expectation of improvement.
But, with the transfer window open, it is naturally going to dominate the agenda on Thursday.
Midfielder Elliot Anderson from Newcastle and defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina are the biggest summer arrivals to date.
That Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo are still in the building ahead of the season remains an obvious positive.
Away from transfers, Forest could do with some calm waters to start the season.
Would Forest welcome a season of anonymity?published at 09:42 15 August
09:42 15 August
Our reporter Nick Mashiter will be covering Nottingham Forest up close this season.
Nick says: "Forest will be looking for a smoother season after sacking Steve Cooper in December and appointing Nuno Espirito Santo, although much of the drama came afterwards.
"PSR and VAR dominated talk at the City Ground - with a four-point deduction and public rows over decisions and referees - so a season of anonymity may well be welcomed."
Would you take a season of anonymity, Forest fans? What should the Reds be aiming for?
'I expect Elanga and Hudson-Odoi to be less predictable'published at 09:03 15 August
09:03 15 August
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BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray told the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast he is expecting positive seasons for forwards Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi:
"I suspect that Nuno and his staff will have really sat down with players this summer to instil belief. They will have been pushing an open door because the players will have been receptive to it.
"Hudson-Odoi in particular ended last season on a real high. His form was outstanding, scoring lots of goals and looking a real threat every time he got on the ball.
"He was starting to go both ways instead of always cutting in. We know his danger when he's cutting but so too do defenders. They can't always defend against him because he is a good player and when he cuts in he is dangerous - that's where he gets most of his goals from.
"But if you also don't know whether he is going to cut in or he might go outside you then you can't commit as the defender until it might be too late
"That is what Elanga has been talking about as well - that ability to go one way or another so the defender is unsure. To be less predictable. That is going to be the next stage of progression.
"Elanga had a good tally last season in terms of goals and assists but he wants better. He has the determination to improve and the confidence to go with it.
"If that happens it can only be to Forest's benefit."
Phil McNulty's predictions - Nottingham Forestpublished at 09:03 15 August
09:03 15 August
It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.
Nottingham Forest - 16th
Nuno Espirito Santo's presence as Nottingham Forest manager in succession to Steve Cooper was hardly inspirational, but the priority of survival was achieved, especially after being deducted four points for breaching financial regulations.
It gives the Portuguese manager the chance to push on in an attempt to satisfy the demands of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Forest’s magnificent support at the City Ground was a crucial factor and will be again, as will the continued presence of Morgan Gibbs-White, a significant contributor to their cause in the past two seasons. It is vital that Forest hold on to him.
He will be a central figure along with last season's player of the year Murillo, with the outstanding 22-year-old defender linked with Chelsea, Spurs and Atletico Madrid. Forest are under no pressure to sell and the Brazilian appears happy to stay.
Wales right-back Neco Williams has attracted interest from Atalanta, but if Forest keep this squad together (and they are always looking to add) then I see them staying up.
Forest 'optimistic for a steadier, less traumatic season'published at 16:10 14 August
16:10 14 August
Colin Fray BBC Radio Nottingham reporter
There is a quiet feeling of mild optimism about Forest ahead of their third season back in the Premier League, however, nobody is getting carried away or having a sudden expectation they will leap from narrowly avoiding relegation to challenging for Europe.
Instead, it is for a steadier, less traumatic season, with less stress about the proximity of the bottom three. A little more distance points-wise above the relegation zone would be progress and most fans are encouraged by what has happened over the summer.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo seems happy and settled (as much as any Premier League boss can be!) and has been pleased to have a full pre-season working with his squad. Pre-season results are never an indicator of what might happen when the real stuff starts, but Forest's performances have been solid and encouraging. As the summer has gone on, they have seemed to be a more developed squad and club than at similar times in the past two years.
And then there is the transfer window.
So far, the business done seems to be both understandable and strengthening. They have not spent fortunes by Premier League standards, but the squad looks stronger - despite it being six in and 20 out since the end of last season.
Forest continue to be linked with forwards and a goalkeeper, and it would not be surprising to see more additions and departures before the end of August.
But the transfer business has seemed calm and measured. It appears profit and sustainability rules have been complied with - Nuno certainly believes so - so a points deduction should not be a concern.
There was scepticism and anger among the fan base towards the end of last season when a huge hike in season ticket prices was announced, and it seemed possible that the club may leave the City Ground.
However, fans have bought tickets in big numbers again - the ground is likely to be sold out for every game again - and the future seems more settled on Trentside.
So, many of those negative feelings from the early part of the summer have been replaced by that quiet optimism - that things could be a little safer and the next nine months may not be quite as stressful as last season.
Live commentary of Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth from 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio Nottingham DAB, 95.1FM and 103.8FM
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