Despite a resilient Nottingham Forest performance against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, the Reds fell to a 0-2 defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side, meaning their Emirates FA Cup journey came to an end. Nuno Espírito Santo faced the media after the game, being questioned on his side’s performance and how they will respond going into the business end of the Premier League season.
After the game, Nuno began with his thoughts on his side’s performance and despite the loss, he still picked out positives from the game and praised his side’s hard work and commitment.
“We started really badly. City started really well, being clinical with the first chance, which makes everything hard. I think we took a little time to feel comfortable to adjust, but after that I think we did a good game. First half – more difficult. Second half – I think the momentum changed a little bit. We had a couple of chances that could have put the game in a different story. Overall, the hard work and commitment was there and the boys gave it their all.”
Despite defeat, Nuno was asked if he was still proud after today, with the support that his side recieved and response from the players in the second period.
“Of course, today is a sad day, it’s going to be hard, but tomorrow when you wake up and the sadness is gone and the bad humour, we’re going to know that we have big things ahead of us to fight for.”
Zach Abbott earnt himself a start in the Nottingham Forest side today, with the young right-back given the nod for just his second senior start for the club. When asked about the academy graduate, Nuno was impressed with how the 18-year-old handled himself for such a big occasion.
“He did well. He’s a young lad, he’s played out of position, we all know that. I’m really proud of the way he competed against such good players and the way he handled himself; he’s going to have a bright future ahead of him”.
Anthony Elanga started on the bench, yet was arguably Nottingham Forest’s most effective player, with his introduction as a substitute seeing him having a major impact in the second half. Nuno spoke on if he regretted not including the former Manchester United winger from the get-go.
“It was not easy to put the team together, but I was not sure if Anthony could play right-back”.
With Nottingham Forest knocked out of the FA Cup, their attention will quickly turn to finishing the season well and securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season.