Nottingham Forest

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno confirmed that they are "still assessing" who will be available for the match on Boxing day as players have been doing recovery in training and there is "still time to make decisions".

• When asked about his time as manager at Tottenham, he said "the past is the past" and that his only focus now is on Forest where he is "delighted" to be.

• On if this is the most confident he has felt as a manager: "I'm always confident. Since the beginning and even last season. I'm confident the dedication and commitment can achieve good results. I'm very proud of players working every day, staying humble and recognising we have a lot to improve and a long way to go."

• Nuno said he does not know a lot about the club's new chief executive Lina Souloukou, who was appointed on Monday, but that "football is very simple" and "each [person] takes care of their own things and I'm here to take care of what's on the pitch and the players".

• On if he is concerned his players will attract attention in the January transfer window due to the team's good form: "This is what we have to be ready for. Each part of club has to be responsible for their situation. Knowing January is a very tricky one for recruitment and a very tricky one for not creating any unbalance to our own squad."

• He added: "More [important] than anything is the players are committed and focused only on their tasks."

• On what he and the team are doing to maintain the longevity of their current confidence: "Work even harder. Commit even more. Pay attention even more to details. Everything more - more confidence, more belief, always with the expectation of increasing standards."

• Nuno said "the players make things happen" when asked about them believing in what he asks of them. He added: "You can try and do whatever you can with the details but they are the ones who make things happen, so a lot of credit to them."

• The Forest boss said he is "not even thinking about" where the Reds could finish this season and refused to say whether they are in the race for European football.

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

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Nottingham Forest have announced the appointment of Lina Souloukou as the club's new CEO from 5 January 2025.

As the former CEO of Roma, Souloukou has represented the Italian side and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' Olympiakos on the board of the European Club Association (ECA).

Speaking of the appointment, Marinakis said: "We are delighted to welcome Lina Souloukou to our team. Her proven track record in football management and her passion and commitment align perfectly with our vision for Nottingham Forest and the wider group as we continue to push for greater success."

Souloukou added: "I am honoured to rejoin Mr Marinakis' football family. The opportunity to drive forward the success of Nottingham Forest and contribute to the wider group is an exciting challenge.

"I look forward to starting work in the new year to deliver on our shared ambitions."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Ian: Forest did a job on Brentford. Two chances, two goals - and goals win matches. Mbuemo, Wissa and Schade were well marshalled by the Forest defenders. Damsgaard had another great game, but his efforts in midfield could not unlock the Forest defence. Both of these teams will finish the season mid-table.

Will: It's a game of fine margins. We had chances that we couldn't convert. I feel like there was a bit too much dancing around the box and a bit too little of taking a shot to make a chance happen. Credit to Forest, they defended really well and were clinical when they had a chance. We are really missing some of the key players who are off injured. We need to make the best of what we have, as we move on with a tough run of games coming. Come on, you Bees!

George: It's clear that the sting we are missing this season is through impact substitutions. Wissa was once a bullet from the bench, but now he can't get any rest. We started strong but we had nothing up our sleeves for a second-half 'second wind'.

Jed: Our bubble has burst and. If we don't start picking up away points, we are going down the table.

Forest fans

Shaun: The way we started, a lot of teams might have scored and fortunately Brentford were not able to take advantage. We then grew into the game, mostly letting Brentford have the ball in non-dangerous areas but we had the much better chances. Once we got the second goal they tried getting back into the game, but our defence did enough to deservedly win the game. Good to see Elanga back into the groove again.

Raymond: When I looked at the line-up for this game, I thought: "That is a team with intent!" For me, that is our strongest team.

James: Solid going forward, solid defending, not a foot put wrong all game. We won quite convincingly. I'm so happy with the past year under Nuno - and long may it continue.

Stuart: Our success is built on the defensive strength of Murillo and Milenkovic. They truly give us something to build on going forward, where there is enough talent higher up the pitch to be a threat to any team.

Chris Wise
Final Score reporter at Gtech Community Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

It is 30 years since Nottingham Forest last spent Christmas inside the Premier League's top four.

Nuno Espirito Santo's messages are consistent: 'stay humble' and 'we haven't achieved anything yet' are words that have been used a few times in recent weeks, including after Saturday's win at Brentford.

Clearly Nuno needs to manage expectations. I don't think anybody, inside or outside of Nottingham, expected the Reds to be rattling on the gates of the Champions League this season.

But the direction of travel is really promising.

I have seen Forest's past two games and what they have shown in both matches is immense character.

Even watching their substitutes warm down on the side of the pitch at the weekend, once the crowds had gone home, there was an obviously relaxed and jovial mood on show. Playful hugs were being exchanged by some.

Undeniably, Forest have got that 'feel-good factor' about them right now.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have the third-best Premier League away form this season, behind only Chelsea and Liverpool, having already picked up 17 points from nine league games on the road.

Former Premier League defender Ashley Williams has been discussing the secret to the Reds' away form this season on Match of the Day: "It plays into the way that Nuno sets them up.

"Their average possession over the past 17 games has been 40.2% - only Everton have less possession in the league - but they are so comfortable without the ball.

"They have a strong spine in the team and they don't need to dominate possession at all. But, when they do when they win the ball back, they get it up the pitch very early and quickly with purpose.

"Hudson-Odoi can beat a man at any time he wants. They have runners with Anderson and Williams. Elanga and Wood are allowed to get into the box.

"So they don't always have the ball but, as soon as they get it, they have one thing on their mind.

"They have got their left-back crossing and their right-back scoring a goal - that goes to show how adventurous they can be when they have got the ball.

"They don't hang about. They aren't slow in their build-up but, when they do get the ball, they want to get it forward quickly.

"Most of the time, when they get possession, it ends in some sort of chance - so they aren't messing around with the ball."

Catch up on Match of the Day here

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures, including Manchester City's visit to Aston Villa and the London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 1-1 Brighton

• Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

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Nottingham Forest were hovering above the relegation zone when Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed as head coach 12 months ago.

However, there has been a complete transformation in their fortunes this term and goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga ensured there was a celebratory feel to his one-year anniversary in charge.

A seventh league win in 10 for Forest ensured they will occupy a place in the top four in the Premier League at Christmas for the first time in 30 years and means it is also difficult to ignore their growing challenge to secure European football for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign.

Resolute in defence and incisive on the break, Forest were worthy winners against a Brentford side who came into the contest boasting the best top-flight record at home this term, having won seven and drawn one of their previous eight fixtures.

Morato, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo all excelled with the hosts also failing to score at the Gtech Community Stadium for the first time this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the game: "I think we competed really well. We work very hard, every day, so the boys should be happy and proud.

"I think we have been working well. The beginning was hard. We were able to solve a lot of problems that we had last season.

"It is about this journey together. Every day is important in improving the team.

"The fans are happy, now we go back to Nottingham and prepare for our next game. It is about enjoying the moment. It is a very hard competition. Every game is so difficult and the next one is going to be very tough.

"We are very proud of all the things we have been able to achieve, but we have achieved nothing yet."

On Anthony Elanga: "We need all the players to step in and give us a hand in terms of goals. It is important that everybody has the desire to get in the box and score."

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have won as many away games in the Premier League this season (5) as in 2022-23 and 2023-24 combined. Only in 1994-95 (10) have the Reds had more away wins in a Premier League season.

Ola Aina has scored more than one goal in a league season for just the second time in his career, previously doing so with Fulham in the Premier League in 2020-21 (also two goals).

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has been speaking to Premier League Productions following the away win: "Most of the players were on the floor at the end. It's difficult to come here. It wasn't easy to get three points, but it was important to get them, and now we just need to keep going.

"We are full of confidence right now. We lost to Manchester City a few weeks back and that didn't take our confidence away.

"It just shows the camaraderie we have as a team and the relationship we have with each other and the manager.

"The coach is an amazing guy. He is someone who always wants to push me and get the best out of me. He has been able to get his ideas across.

"We can't really relax. We have a game on Boxing Day [at home to Tottenham]. We have to take it game-by-game. It's good, but the season's still very long.

"We are just focusing on the next game now."

On his goal in the second-half: "It is just important to get myself in the box and into areas where I can score. I just want to keep clicking and being consistent in what I do."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

There are 10 Premier League teams in action on Saturday:

• Aston Villa v Manchester City (12:30)

• Brentford v Nottingham Forest

• Ipswich v Newcastle

• West Ham v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 17, he takes on Reverend & the Makers singer Jon McClure.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

It is always hard to back against Brentford at home, but Nottingham Forest are a cagey and clever away team.

Forest's record on the road is the third-best in the top flight this season and watching them makes me think they can get something here.

Brentford have played in midweek, losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and I wonder if that might affect them.

I am not saying the Bees' bubble will burst but Forest are always dangerous, so I am going with another draw.

McClure's prediction: 2-2

I can see goals in this one. Brentford manager Thomas Frank deserves a shot at a big club because he is super-good, and they have got a bunch of players who I think are very under-rated.

Equally, though, Forest are flying and Chris Wood is having a brilliant season. He gives me hope as a big man. If a big lump like him can knock them in then maybe I can too.

Read the full predictions and have your say

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Nuno Espirito Santo says the tough moments at the club during his first 12 months at Nottingham Forest have only made his side stronger.

"We started in a very tough situation but I think we were able to do well and face so many obstacles that we had," he told BBC Radio Nottingham. "Always with the sense of togetherness, trying to be together and overcome this.

"That helped us be more united and more resilient, knowing that tough moments only makes us stronger but now is good and we don't even remember anymore.

"I always insisted that the best thing we did - and we are taking advantage now - was to retain the main core of the squad.

"When the last match of the season [against Burnley] was over, we had a conversation. Even though we faced so many problems, we did it without conflict, realising that everybody should and must help.

"That was the beginning of something we now want to improve on and grow. The players are different now."

Listen to the full BBC Radio Nottingham interview on BBC Sounds

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Since their return to the top-flight in 2022, Nottingham Forest have won just one of their 16 away league games against London sides drawing four and losing 11, beating Chelsea 1-0 in September 2023.

Image source, Getty Images

The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast reflects on the rise of Nottingham Forest during Nuno Espirito Santo's first year in charge of the Premier League club.

Reporter Colin Fray said: "In the first half of his year [in charge], there was so much for him to contend with.

"He was walking into a new squad and any manager will tell you that's not straightforward in the middle of a season, but then to have the points deduction thing hanging over them and eventually coming to bite them was difficult.

"I think that led to a lot of stress, so the relief when they stayed up was big.

"What you've started to see this year is the real Nuno. He's far more relaxed and far more at home.

"Pre-season was massive to really work his squad hard so they could hit the ground running at the start of the season.

"What you're seeing now is a Nuno without that huge pressure of potential relegation because of a points deduction hanging over them, with the uncertainty.

"You're seeing a Nuno who feels at home and relaxed, and you're seeing a Nuno team with an identity of fighting for every ball, going for the game, winning their battles."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest, like every Premier League club, face a hectic festive fixture schedule.

But it has not stopped manager Nuno Espirito Santo and a number of his players from getting involved in some of the Christmas cheer – joining Santa and a number of youngsters at a party at the City Ground.

Reds defender Harry Toffolo spoke to BBC East Midlands Today about the importance of getting involved with the community at this time of year.

And with three matches in eight days, starting with a trip to Brentford on Saturday, Toffolo says the East Midlands club are relishing what's to come on the pitch after they moved up to fourth in the table with victory against Aston Villa last week.

"We fancy our chances against anyone at the minute," he said.

A new episode of Shut Up And Show More Football has landed.

David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss the first 12 months of Nuno Espírito Santo as head coach.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Brentford (15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno said midfielder Danilo is "closer to working with us" but Ibrahima Sangare "has not joined the group yet". The boss insisted Forest "need them as soon as possible".

• He added there are other "issues" with fitness in the squad: "We have a lot of things to assess and problems we had in the previous game. We still have tomorrow to assess the players and then go to London."

• On reaching a year in charge at Forest: "Time flies. Feeling good. It started difficult but it is good. I am enjoying it. You never know what is going to happen. Last season, there were a lot of things to start to solve. We did well and now is the beginning of something we want to do together."

• Does he allow himself to enjoy the good moments? "Of course. We enjoy working - we enjoy competing. This is what really pushes us. After the game, you immediately start thinking about the next one and that is enjoyable. Life is not just smiles. The tough moments are also important to be there."

• He views last weekend's win over Aston Villa as significant: "Nights like last week make it all worth it because the fans are happy and singing even when the match is over. This is what we work for."

• On the challenge posed by the Bees: "Very good team, very strong at home and doing very well. Defensively we have to be really good, solid and compact. Set-pieces, throw ins... they have many ways to create danger and opportunities. They can achieve goals in the first minute so we have to start concentrated. We need to play our game and cause them problems too."

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