Nottingham Forest face ‘biggest games of careers’ in Champions League chase: Nuno Espirito Santo
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After Nottingham Forest's loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, Nuno Espirito Santo is turning his attention to the Premier League.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Nuno Espirito Santo believes that the last five games of Nottingham Forest’s English Premier League campaign are the “biggest of our careers”, as they battle to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
The Tricky Trees are within touching distance of a return to Europe’s top club competition for the first time in more than four decades but face fierce competition.
Liverpool are already champions and second-placed Arsenal have a significant points cushion, but just five points separate third-placed Newcastle United from Aston Villa in seventh spot.
Manchester City, in fourth, and fifth-placed Chelsea are also pushing to finish in the top five, which will guarantee Champions League qualification.
Forest, in sixth spot but with a game in hand, host Brentford at the City Ground on May 1, just four days after the disappointment of losing their FA Cup semi-final to City 2-0.
The two-time European champions had looked comfortable in the Premier League before consecutive defeats by Villa and Everton earlier in April, but they ended their mini-slump by beating Tottenham Hotspur on April 21.
“All the games are going to be very, very important for a lot of teams in this (Champions League) fight. We have one more (game in hand), let’s try to perform well. We are back in the City Ground in front of our fans, it’s a big help,” Forest manager Nuno said on April 29.
“We have never stopped believing, no matter what happens. Throughout the competition, we have had good moments and bad moments, and we have been able to react and again it is up to us to react again. All the games are the biggest games of our careers, this is how we approach it.”
Forest have not played in Europe’s elite competition since the 1980-81 season, when they were two-time defending champions of the then European Cup under former manager Brian Clough.
Nuno also said that his side, who finished 17th in the Premier League last season and are probably the biggest surprise package this term, still control their own destiny.
“We are only thinking about Brentford now, that is the only thing we have to consider now in our minds, which is to compete against them. It’s in our hands, that’s a big advantage,” the Portuguese said.
After the Brentford game, Forest face Crystal Palace, Leicester City, West Ham United and conclude their season with a home clash against Chelsea. AFP
