Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has urged caution regarding the growing praise surrounding his team, especially ahead of their upcoming match with Premier League leaders Liverpool. Despite Forest’s impressive run, which includes six consecutive wins and a historic victory over Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the season, Nuno believes that excessive compliments can distract his players from their focus.
While Liverpool manager Arne Slot recently acknowledged Forest’s place in the title race, with the team sitting third and just six points behind the leaders, Nuno emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach. “Nothing changes in our approach,” he said. “Too much praise can distract us, so we don’t want to pay too much attention to it.”
Nuno pointed out that while their win against Liverpool earlier in the season was seen as a surprise at the time, much has changed since then. He highlighted that the team’s ambition and hard work have been key to their success, stressing that no one could have predicted their current form.
Although Nuno is not ready to entertain the idea of a title challenge just yet, Forest’s recent performances have positioned them for a potential return to European football for the first time since 1980. With a top-four finish securing a spot in next season’s Champions League, Forest are well on track for a European return, and Nuno believes his squad is still capable of improving as the season progresses.
“We are improving through the competition,” Nuno added, emphasizing that the more time his players spend together, the better they will perform as a unit. He highlighted the strong sense of togetherness in the team, which he values highly as they continue their pursuit of success.
