Nuno Espirito Santo on 'sad day' for Nottingham Forest

A remarkable campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest puts them firmly in with a shout for a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League campaign, but they were unable to reach the FA Cup final following a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Manchester City.

Forest were 17th in the Premier League when Espirito Santo arrived, with the club having registered just 14 points from the opening 17 games of the 2023/24 campaign.

While they did show early signs of improvement, it’s hard to imagine anyone would have had them in the FA Cup semi-finals prior to the start of the 2024/25 term, let alone in contention for a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Structurally immaculate with proven firepower on the break, Espirito Santo’s well-oiled machine are well placed for some form of European football next term.

Their wait for a major trophy will surpass the 2024/25 season however, losing to Manchester City in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola’s side proved too much for Forest on the day, and Espirito Santo reflected on the defeat during his post-match press conference.

We started really badly again, it makes everything hard. It took time to feel comfortable and adjust.

"The first half was difficult and in the second half the momentum changed a little bit. We had a couple of chances which could put the game in a different story. The boys gave it all, we have to accept we lost."

Nottingham Forest hit the woodwork three times in the second half at Wembley, with Stefan Ortega forced into making just one save throughout the 90 minutes.

"It's a sad day," Espirito Santo expressed. "It's going to be hard, but when we wake up and the sadness is gone we know we have big things ahead of us to fight for.

"It can only bring us more energy for the last moments of the season."

A huge end to the season awaits the club, starting on Thursday night when the City Ground welcomes Brentford. Should Forest win their all-important game in hand, they will sit third in the Premier League, just four points off Arsenal.

Ellis Statham

• Nottingham Forest F.C.
• Premier League
• FA Cup
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