Nuno's response says it all as Nottingham Forest face key moment in race for Champions League
by Sarah Clapson · NottinghamshireLiveNottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo signed off with a grin when he faced the media in his final pre-match press conference before the international break.
For much of this season, the Portuguese has been keen to relay a specific message when facing his inquisitors. It is the same one he stresses behind the scenes, when speaking to his players.
At this stage of the campaign, the Reds know what works and they are not about to change now. Any attempt to cajole Nuno into talking about the possibility of playing in Europe or of finishing in style over the coming weeks once again cut no ice with the 51-year-old on this occasion.
There will be a point when he is prepared to discuss what has been a superb season so far, though, right? “Yes, after the last game,” Nuno replied with a glint in his eye and a wide smile. “That will make sense.”
The Forest boss is quite right not to get caught up in any talk about what might or might not happen between now and May. After all, his level-headed demeanour has got the Reds to where they are now - within touching distance of achieving Champions League football.
Forest continue to defy the pundits who expected them to fall away from the top-four race. And they continue to leave those who predicted a relegation battle with plenty of egg on face.
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Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City felt like a huge moment in the club’s season. They have had a few such occasions, but that one could prove to be defining.
Of course, it only counts for something if Nuno’s side back it up. Saturday’s trip to face Ipswich Town (3pm kick-off) must be approached in the right way. Mentality will be key.
Forest already know how tough it will be against the Tractor Boys. They needed extra-time and penalties to get past the relegation-battlers in the fifth round of the FA Cup last week. On home turf, Ipswich will certainly put up a fight again.
Saturday is far from a given. In many ways, the Reds’ performance - and the end result - will be just as telling as the one against the reigning champions.
Nottingham Forest: Special reports
To celebrate the success of Nottingham Forest this season, we are writing a series of features celebrating events at the City Ground.
From the finances to the former managers. Looking at how the City is benefitting from what Nuno's team are doing on the pitch.
We take a deep dive into Evangelos Marinakis and his aspirations for the club - can the Reds match them?
CITY ECONOMY: Forest in the Champions League would give city a 'massive boost'
VIEW FROM THE TERRACES: 'I've had a Forest season ticket for 20 years - we've never had it so good'
FUTURE GROWTH: Special report: What Forest success this season could mean for club's future
EVANGELOS MARINAKIS: Forest can fulfil Evangelos Marinakis' big ambition as magical season just the start
NUNO'S IMPACT: French Alps trip and the surprising role Manchester United played in remarkable transformation
Back in January, Forest put in an almighty shift to secure a 1-1 draw with champions-elect Liverpool. Although they won the next game, 3-2 against Southampton, their form suffered a slight wobble over the following weeks.
That Nuno’s men came through that period still in third place is of enormous credit to them. But with 10 games remaining, they will be well aware there can be no drop-off now.
Heading into the two-week hiatus on the back of a positive display would be a huge boost. How Forest come through this particular test will tell us just as much - if not more - about their hopes of clinching a Champions League spot as last weekend’s memorable victory.