Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo wants Nottingham Forest to take confidence from another big result as they chase Champions League football.
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal of the game on Saturday as the Reds saw off Manchester City 1-0 on the banks of the Trent. It moved third-placed Forest four points clear of their opponents in the Premier League table.
With 10 games of the season remaining, Nuno’s side are well placed to qualify for Europe. They are also through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a penalty shootout triumph over Ipswich Town on Monday night. Below is a look at what the Reds head coach had to say after the final whistle at the City Ground.
On a big win…
“We are very happy. We did a very good game against a very tough team.
“The defensive display was good. The organisation was good. The help, the covers and the double-ups were fundamental to our defensive display. Proud and happy.”
On Hudson-Odoi’s winner…
“Talent. When Callum has a chance… Callum had a chance before that and he did well. When we try to create these situations and achieve them, they (the players) are talented and it is difficult to stop.”
On pushing for the Champions League…
“Now, Ipswich (who Forest face at Portman Road next Saturday). Let’s rest, because it was a tough week for us.
“Many of our players made 120 minutes-plus (against Ipswich in the FA Cup on Monday night) and now 90 minutes today. Thank God they are healthy for now. Let’s keep them healthy, recover and prepare for the next one.
“It doesn’t change anything. It’s about the focus and the approach of the games. Let’s enjoy the journey together. The players are doing amazing, our fans are giving us help, so let’s keep on enjoying.”
On big results against the top teams…
“We are talking about the best teams around. It always gives you the confidence that you can compete well against such good players.
“It allows us to grow as a team, but it doesn’t change the opponent in front of you because the Premier League is very tough. Every good performance we have and every good result we have is always what we look for.
“It is very difficult to stop City. They are so talented and create so many pockets. It is very hard. They are always going to have chances.”
On shutting out City…
“It is the same to play against anyone. If you ignore the defensive part of the game, you are making a mistake.
“The basic pillar for us is a clean-sheet. We are proud of achieving clean-sheets.”
On whether it was a landmark win…
“It is important for our fans. It is important for our fans to realise we can compete against every team. But it doesn’t change (anything). It is not a landmark.
“For example, if you go back after the period when we were not so stable – half-time against Newcastle (a 4-3 defeat at St James’ Park) – the way we reverted that situation. That, I think, was important and a pivotal moment in these previous games.”
On full-backs Ola Aina and Neco Williams stopping City’s attackers…
“Very pleased. They are very difficult players to stop. Credit for them, but also credit for the help they got – especially from the midfielders to double up.”
On Reds fans being able to dream…
“We are proud. Monday evening (in the cup) was very nice. The supporters finished the game singing.
“Let’s enjoy the journey together. There is a bond of trust between the team and the fans. You can see the players feel comfortable playing at the City Ground. Our home form has been huge for us. Let’s try to keep it that way.”
On club legend Stuart Pearce recovering from a “health scare”…
“Stuart is not just a legend of our club, he is part of our family. We all send him our very best wishes and hope he has a full and fast recovery.”
On what achieving a first win over City since 1997 shows…
“The improvement of the squad and the improvement of the players. The ability to realise that we can compete against every team.
“Compete. It doesn’t matter the result, it is how we prepare to compete – knowing our strengths and weaknesses, and knowing who you have in front of you. Every game is different.
“It shows the progress and the ability to keep competing, competing, competing game after game. This is what we want for ourselves to be able to improve every game.
“It is a landmark of improvement. Now we are going to look at the game and see there were so many mistakes. At the end it was good but there are still things to improve, of course.”
On whether the game panned out according to plan…
“No. Not all the game. There was a moment when the game was stretched and it became up and down like basketball – that was good for us.”
Every word Nuno said on Nottingham Forest ‘talent’, Man City shut-out and Champions League push
