Nuno plots another downfall for United in Cup
BALANCE IN FOREST SIDE
NUNO Espirito Santo’s affection for the FA Cup has been clear ever since he took charge of Nottingham Forest in December.
The Portuguese has said several times how he still views it as a very special competition. And he is eager for the Reds to keep their Cup run going as they prepare for tomorrow night’s fifth round tie against Manchester United at the City Ground (7.45pm).
Ahead of the game, Nuno faced the media in his pre-match press conference and below is a look at what he said, as well as other talking points.
■■Cup clash
Forest got the better of United in what was Nuno’s third match at the helm. Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbswhite saw the Reds triumph 2-1 when the teams met at the City Ground in the Premier League in December. Nuno is expecting a different contest this time around, although he will analyse that clash for pointers on how to approach Wednesday’s game.
“That game is for us to analyse and see the things we did well,” he said. “At the same time, we did make mistakes so we have to try not to repeat them.
“It is useful for us to look at that game, knowing it is not going to be a repeat. It is going to be a new one (on Wednesday), new things will happen.
“But we want to go for the game. We want to continue in the FA Cup and give a big joy and happiness to our fantastic fans.
“The fans can make a big difference. Playing at home is always very good for us. Since the beginning, the support of the fans and the noise of the City Ground has been very helpful.”
United make the trip to Trentside on the back of being beaten at home by Fulham. However, Nuno is not reading too much into that result.
“They are still a very good team and have a very good squad,” he said. “We have to think we are going to face a tough opponent.”
■■Finding a balance
Conceding sloppy goals continues to be a problem for the Reds. Nuno is well aware they still need to tighten up at the back.
Forest were unable to back up the clean sheet they kept against West Ham United when they travelled to Villa Park at the weekend.
Aston Villa went in front with only four minutes on the clock and were 3-0 up with less than 40 minutes played. The visitors did respond and lost 4-2 in the end but they know improvement is required.
“What we are concerned about is trying to understand the different performance we had,” said Nuno. “We had a very good performance at the City Ground against West Ham.
“We didn’t start the game well against Aston Villa. We conceded easy goals. This is what we are trying to understand and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“We try to analyse, work and speak to the players, and try to find out the why – the reason we didn’t start the game well. The beginning of the game made our task very difficult, even though we reacted, and we have to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We have to be more compact, solid and organised.
“It is finding the balance. Nobody doubts that going forward we are doing things well, because we are scoring and creating chances, we have good momentum and good play.
“But at the same time we have to improve, because football is made of offensive and defensive. Being compact and solid has to be our main target.”
Wednesday night’s tie is being shown live on BBC One. And the game marks a punditry debut for exunited ace Wayne Rooney, who will be part of the BBC team covering the City Ground tie.
“Watching the BBC’S coverage of the FA Cup every year was always very special growing up, I’m so excited to be joining up with the team to cover what will undoubtedly be an action-packed tie in this historic competition,” he told the BBC’S website.
“Having played and managed in the competition, it’s great to be on the other side of the camera this time and hopefully I can bring some of that FA Cup experience to the coverage.”
The BBC say their coverage of the FA Cup this season has already smashed viewing records. A peak of 7.6 million viewers are said to have watched Liverpool knock out Arsenal in the third round.
■■Laryea’s farewell
Defender Richie Laryea completed a permanent switch to Toronto FC last week. The Canada international made only five appearances for the Reds but he says he has no regrets about joining the club two years ago.
Laryea put pen to paper for Forest from Toronto in January 2022. He returned to the MLS outfit for a loan spell, then also had a stint on loan at Vancouver Whitecaps.
It might not have worked out for him Trentside but he bade a fond farewell when his exit was announced.
He wrote on Instagram: “Thank you @officialnffc for allowing my family and I into your historic club and culture.
“What an experience and adventure it was that I wouldn’t take back for anything. Best of luck the rest of the way YOU REDSSSS”
Reds team-mates past and present responded. Brennan Johnson replied: “Good luck brother, was a pleasure.” Djed Spence said: “My boyo.” And Harry Toffolo wrote: “All the best mate.”