Nuno: Forest ready to fight for survival
BOSS SAYS REDS FIRED UP AS THEY PREPARE FOR TRIP TO FACE HATTERS IN RELEGATION BATTLE
NUNO Espirito Santo vowed “we are going to fight” after Nottingham Forest’s Premier League relegation fears were heightened by the perceived injustice of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat away against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Forest dominated the second half at the Amex Stadium but remain only three points above the drop zone following a seventh defeat in 11 games since Nuno replaced Steve Cooper in December.
The Portuguese coach once again questioned the standard of topflight officiating after Seagulls midfielder Jakub Moder escaped a red card for a 67th-minute lunge at Neco Williams.
Forest travel to Kenilworth Road for a pivotal clash with third-bottom Luton Town next weekend and Nuno has no doubts about the commitment of his players.
“We finished the game very strong,” said Nuno.
“When you analyse, I cannot judge the work-rate and the commitment of the players, I think all of them give it all because we are in need. When you need something, you fight for your life and this is the moment that we are – we are going to fight.
“Sometimes we’ll play good, sometimes we’ll play not so good but the team spirit, the character, the togetherness, the relentlessness is there, so let’s go for the next one.”
Moder admitted he was “very nervous” as his studs-up challenge on Williams was checked by VAR.
Poland international Moder feared his first Premier League start since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2022 may end prematurely.
“I was very nervous,” he said in a video posted on Brighton’s website.
“I knew that I touched the ball first but I also knew that I hit his ankle. But luckily it was just a yellow.”