Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has candidly admitted that his team’s remarkable season, once dubbed a fairytale for its unexpected highs, is at risk of unraveling after a string of disappointing results. The Reds, who have defied expectations by challenging for a Champions League spot and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Thursday, marking their fourth loss in five Premier League games. This dip in form has left Forest in sixth place, jeopardling fears that their dreams of European glory could slip away.
Speaking to the press after the Brentford match, Nuno expressed his concern about the team’s recent performances. “We are struggling,” he admitted, reflecting on the goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa that exposed uncharacteristic defensive frailties. “It’s a bad night, a bad game. We need to find ourselves again.” The defeat was particularly alarming for Nuno, who noted that the goals conceded were “soft” and unrepresentative of Forest’s typically solid backline, which has secured 13 clean sheets this season, the most in the Premier League.
Forest’s season has been nothing short of extraordinary. When Nuno took charge in December 2023, the club was languishing in 17th place, battling relegation. Under his guidance, they have transformed into a compact, tactically astute side, punching above their weight with the league’s 16th-highest wage bill and smallest squad. Memorable victories over Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City fueled hopes of a top-five finish, which would secure Champions League qualification. A 1-0 win against City in March, sealed by Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike, had fans dreaming of a return to Europe for the first time since the 1990s.
However, recent weeks have seen the wheels wobble. Consecutive losses to Everton and Tottenham, followed by the Brentford setback, have narrowed Forest’s lead over the chasing pack. Despite being level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea, Nuno warned that their Champions League aspirations could slip through their fingers unless they rediscover their identity. “We do not have to change,” he said. “Our basic is being compact and solid. We have to go back and find our better version again.”
The Brentford match highlighted Forest’s struggles, with simple balls over the top exposing a usually resolute defense. Fans, who have been unwavering in their support, showed signs of frustration when Morgan Gibbs-White’s errant pass went straight to Brentford’s goalkeeper. Nuno responded by introducing striker Taiwo Awoniyi, but the move failed to spark a comeback. The manager’s challenge now is to rally his squad for crucial upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Leicester City, West Ham United, and Chelsea, which he has described as the “biggest games of our careers.”
Despite the setbacks, Nuno’s impact at Forest remains undeniable. His tactical acumen and man-management have lifted the club from relegation scrappers to European contenders, earning him praise as a candidate for Premier League Manager of the Season. Former Forest striker Nigel Jemson lauded Nuno’s work, stating, “He’s done phenomenally well and it’s lifted the city.” Yet, with only five games left, the pressure is on to arrest this slide and keep the fairytale alive.
Forest’s FA Cup run also hangs in the balance after a semi-final loss to Manchester City last weekend. While the chance to emulate Brian Clough’s legendary achievements remains a distant hope, Nuno is focused on restoring the team’s confidence. “We have one more,” he said, referring to the upcoming match against Crystal Palace. “Let’s try to perform well.” With the City Ground’s passionate support behind them, Forest still have a chance to salvage their season—but time is running out.