Yahoo News Nuno sends City Ground message after Nottingham Forest defeat
It was an opportunity missed for Nottingham Forest as they threw away the chance to mathematically secure safety at the City Ground.
Boosted by defeats for Luton Town and Burnley in the earlier kick-offs, the Reds needed just a point against Chelsea to get over the line. It looked as though they were going to do that when they came from behind to lead 2-1 courtesy of goals from Willy Boly and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
But they were unable to hang on to their lead as Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson quickly hit back to clinch the three points for the visitors. It means Forest remain three points above the relegation zone heading into the final weekend, but they have a -19 goal difference to the Hatters’ -31. Below is a look at what head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had to say after the final whistle.
READ MORE: Nuno delivers warning as Forest still not mathematically safe
READ MORE: How the Reds rated against Chelsea
On not getting the job done…
“Of course we are disappointed to lose the game and not be able to give what we wanted to to our fans at the City Ground, which was a victory. That is especially what frustrates and disappoints us the most.
“It is not over. It is virtually. But maybe I am the only person who has seen too many things in football to allow our players to relax. We are going to prepare properly for the next one to finish the season on a high - a season that has been so hard on all of us as a club.”
On the game…
“With the results before, our task was tough - mainly because of the opponent we had in front of us and their quality. Chelsea are a very good team.
“But it was the same pressure we always have. The advantage was in our hands to dictate and finish the job of our main goal, which was to stay in the Premier League.
“The first half was hard, we allowed Chelsea to score. But we reacted and we started the second half good. We created so many good chances to score. And then we switched off. In two minutes the game went away. A lot of lessons that we should learn.”
On lapses in concentration…
“After so many chances and we score, then it was bad defending. We cannot allow so much space to decide, especially for such quality players.
“Everything has to be more aggressive - not only today, but through the season this has happened to us. It is very hard to bounce back and then not manage the game properly.”
On how to fix that problem…
“A lot of work. And you need time to work. I don’t see other solutions. Work, work, work is the only solution.”
On talk of the club possibly leaving the City Ground…
"I hope it doesn't, it will never be the same, it will never be the same. The City Ground is so special. If they ask me, please don't, please don't City Council, please don’t. Let us be here.”
On whether the disagreement between the club and the council means another battle on the horizon…
“We don't want that, we want peace. We don't want too much noise, let us be.”
