Latest Nottingham Forest news as Sean Dyche's Reds lose 2-0 to Bournemouth in Premier League clash
06:00, 27 Oct 2025
Sean Dyche the head coach of Nottingham Forest
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Sean Dyche the head coach of Nottingham Forest
Building up his squad’s fitness levels is a key priority for Sean Dyche as he works to improve Nottingham Forest’s form.
After Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth, the new Reds head coach admitted his players are not where he wants them to be physically. And as they look to balance competing in Europe with their need to climb the Premier League table, that is something Dyche wants to change.
The former Everton and Burnley boss felt the visitors looked jaded at the Vitality Stadium. Their lacklustre display on the south coast came after they had made a winning start to Dyche’s tenure by beating Porto in the Europa League on Thursday - a result that represented their first victory since the opening day of the season.
Asked where Forest need to improve, Dyche said: “The consistency of the side, physically. I am not knocking any other manager or staff. It is entirely up to every manager and staff what they work with. But I have been in the Premier League for 11 years and I know where I want my team to be physically. I don’t think the group are there yet, for my way of working. That is one thing.
“We also need players fit again, who are currently injured. They have proven they are very good players, who we are missing currently.”
“It is difficult,” he added of coping with the demands of a packed schedule. “That is exactly the challenge. We have already looked at it and were debating what to do this week whether or not to give them a day off.
“We kept the load as minimal as we could. But you have still got to travel and all these things. It’s not like you can just lie in bed for two days.
“There are a lot of these challenges, and more are coming because of the fixture schedule. That’s the reality of it.
“It’s reminding the players about the acceptance of the challenge. Consistent levels of performance daily go into consistent levels of performance whenever you play, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Dyche did not question the character of his players after they had succumbed to an in-form Bournemouth. But he does want them to raise their levels as they fight to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone.
“They have shown plenty of character to finish seventh and get into Europe. No, no, no. I would not question that,” Dyche said.
“I am just saying that these are the things we need to effect. I am not questioning anyone.
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“I said to them at half-time that they looked flatlined and tired. The whole group just looked flatlined.
“That was a risk and reward situation and we were half-expecting that to happen. The elation of the other night, the fans and the feeling, then it comes quick and you have to do it again. That is the challenge of being in Europe.
“It is not going to stop, this is going to be the norm. Legs, hearts and minds, they have always got to be intact. We are building that. It is another reminder that when you are not right, you can’t get anything in the Premier League.
“Arsene Wenger had a saying and I have nicked it from him. It is ‘raise your minimum’. It is a great shout.
“Everyone, when they are on top form, can play. Against Porto, you could not pick out a player in the side who did not do well, at least.
“What about raising your minimum? What about the days when it is not your day? What about the fight, the desire, the edge, the basics, the shape, all the ugly things that get you success?
“I said to the group to raise their minimum. What does your minimum day look like? Don’t accept a minimum day. Don’t look at somebody else to do it for you. Everyone has to stay bloody-minded and say ‘this is my job, this is my responsibility’ and deliver what the team needs, not just what you need as an individual. I think that is a work in progress.”
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