Espirito Santo: Forest’s Performance Not ‘Bad’ Despite Newcastle Defeat

Following Nottingham Forest’s loss to Newcastle, Nuno Espirito Santo shared his thoughts with BBC Sport. He stated, “I cannot say that was a bad performance, that is totally out of the question.” The manager acknowledged that his team faced a formidable opponent that successfully controlled them and exploited their weaknesses, adding that this experience serves as “a lesson for us to learn.” Espirito Santo further conceded that they competed against a strong side that demonstrated superiority “in many, many moments.” Despite the outcome, he expressed satisfaction with his players, noting that “the character and belief was there.” The manager reiterated his consistent message that the club should “enjoy and be proud of the way we are operating.” He emphasized their ambition to “grow in a very tough competition” without imposing unnecessary pressure or “creating an obligation.” Espirito Santo affirmed the team’s commitment to “focusing on ourselves and improving as a team,” indicating plans to “regroup and go again” while disregarding external factors such as “the table and the noise around us.” Espirito Santo also conveyed the club’s “pride that our players go to international duty,” viewing it as “recognition of their talents.” He concluded by expressing the hope that the players “return healthy and there’s time for them to recover from things they have been dragging.”