Boss says Forest are ignoring noise
LITTLE more than a month ago, Chris Wood’s hat-trick clinched an impressive 3-1 win for Nottingham Forest when they faced Newcastle United in the north-east.
The clash at St James’ Park was Nuno Espirito Santo’s second in charge of the Reds. But the line-up he will likely field when the teams meet in the reverse fixture today will say much about the challenges he has already faced in the City Ground hot seat.
For starters, Wood is not available this weekend and is expected to be sidelined for up to two months. Gonzalo Montiel (injured), Ola Aina and Ibrahim Sangare (international duty) were also in the starting 11 on Boxing Day but will not be involved this weekend.
And it will be a different name in goal as Matz Sels was brought in during the January transfer window to take over from Matt Turner as the number one.
In several press conferences, Nuno has talked about having to find “solutions to problems”. Nevertheless, that win over the Magpies was an example of what the team are capable of under the Portuguese – and they will be aiming for a repeat on the banks of the Trent.
Ahead of the match, Forest are 16th in the Premier League table. They hold a two-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Nuno is well aware they need to increase that gap. But he is keen to make sure his players do not feel any pressure from the situation. His message to the squad is very clear.
“The players just have to play the game,” he said. “That is what we have been doing, ignoring all the noise and just focusing on our tasks.
“It is always important to put some results together. It doesn’t matter what part of the season it is, it is always important. The most important game we are going to have is always the next one.
“Of course, it will be important when we have all the squad available. It will be better for us and give us more options. I think it can raise the standards we expect from all the players.”
While the Reds were handed a boost with the return of Taiwo Awoniyi from injury, they were dealt a blow with the news Wood is facing a significant spell out of action. Nuno admitted he is looking forward to the day when he has both front men to pick from.
Awoniyi is still building up his match fitness after recovering from groin surgery. He has already got back among the goals, having marked his comeback by getting on the scoresheet against Arsenal and then scoring the winning spot-kick in Wednesday night’s FA Cup replay penalty shootout victory over Bristol City. Nuno hopes there is plenty more to come from the Nigerian.
“He is improving. He was out for a long time. He played sooner than we expected him to play,” the Portuguese said.
“As long as he has energy, I think he can really help. We have to manage the momentum to use him.
“They are totally different players, Taiwo and Chris. The team has to adapt to a new striker. It would be great to have both of them available.”
Today’s game is the first of backto-back Premier League fixtures at the City Ground for Forest, with West Ham United the visitors the following week. Nuno knows the difference the crowd can make.
“The City Ground is our home. It feels so good to play here,” he added. “Going through in the FA Cup can give us momentum. Once again the fans were extraordinary with us, with their support and their noise. We expect the same again on Saturday in this fantastic atmosphere.
“The home form is always a very important factor in the Premier League. As it was before, it is going to be a tough game. Newcastle are a good team. We have to be switched on so we can do it again.
“Last time, we defended well and took advantage of the spaces. We played a good game but Saturday is going to be different.
“They are a very intense team and they press very well. They have quality players. They have many aspects that we have to be careful about, but let’s focus on ourselves and what we want to do in the game. Our priority is to keep trying to improve every game.”
■■UNFORTUNATELY, due to an early print deadline we are unable to bring you a report on Notts County’s home game against Gillingham last night. See Monday’s Post for details.