Nottingham Forest concluded their Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at home, leaving head coach Nuno Espirito Santo with mixed emotions. Despite the loss, Forest secured a place in the UEFA Conference League, marking their first European qualification in three decades. The Reds had a chance to clinch a spot in the prestigious Champions League, but despite favorable results from rivals Newcastle United and Aston Villa, they fell short of a top-five finish, ending the season in seventh place.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “It is too early to make a big reflection of all these things. First of all, as a coaching staff, we have to thank the players because they worked very hard every day. We have a very good squad. We have to thank the fans for their incredible support until the end.”
Nuno continued: “When you look back at all of the season, I think it’s a good season. We have been able to improve many things in our team and we have a good platform. We should be proud of the way we have a group of people who want to help each other to improve, including through bad times like today. We stick together.”
He added: “We are disappointed. But in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it’s been good. It has been a very demanding season, especially for the players. I don’t know how many have started more than 30 games. They gave it their all. That’s why I say we should be proud. Now we have to rest, and deservedly so.”
Nuno concluded: “It is not easy for me to speak about all these things because today is tough, especially with what happened. We knew the last day was going to be tough for all the teams involved in this fight. We came short. We were aware (of what was going on). We knew one goal could change everything.”
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League, Nottingham Forest’s qualification for the UEFA Conference League is a significant achievement, considering it is their first European venture in 30 years. The club’s journey throughout the season showcased their resilience and growth, with Nuno highlighting the collective effort of the players and the unwavering support from the fans. As the team reflects on their accomplishments, the focus now shifts to resting and preparing for the challenges of European competition next season.
