Sean Dyche is still searching for his first Premier League win as the new boss of Nottingham Forest. Since taking charge, Forest have played four matches across all competitions — winning one, drawing two, and losing one.
Dyche began his tenure with a 2-0 win over FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League. But the Reds then fell to a 0-2 defeat against Bournemouth before an entertaining 2-2 draw with Manchester United at home. Most recently, they were held to a goalless draw by SKSturm Graz**** in the Europa League.
Currently, Forest sit in 19th place in the Premier League table with just six points from 10 games — one win, three draws, and six losses. They will now hope to secure their second league win of the season when they host Leeds United at the City Ground.
Leeds, on the other hand, are just outside the relegation zone in 16th position with 11 points from 10 games. They come into this fixture after a heavy 0-3 defeat against Brighton on November 1.
Ahead of this crucial game, Dyche spoke in his pre-match press conference about player availability, injury updates, the importance of the international break, and the need to stay patient with the process.
Injury Updates
Chris Wood is recovering from a knee injury, while Callum Hudson-Odoi has picked up a knock. Dyche confirmed that both players are unlikely to return immediately, but remains hopeful of having them back soon.
“It gives us that window without games. It doesn’t mean they are going to miraculously get fit, but it just means there are no games to miss. If there is such a thing as speed in these situations, we’ll try to do that, of course. But the body can only heal at a certain rate,” he said.
Developing the ‘Killer Edge’
Dyche admitted that improving Forest’s finishing is still “a constant work in progress.”
“We haven’t got magic dust. You can’t suddenly make players who are not used to having that killer edge score 20 a season. It’s not that easy, or else we’d all be doing it,” he added.
Positive Signs and Awareness of Leeds
Despite the slow start, Dyche believes the team is showing “positive signs” and urged patience as he continues to shape the side.
“When I was on the outside looking at it and fans were telling me, ‘we’re going to do this and that,’ I said, ‘I don’t think it’s that easy.’ Once I saw them get into Europe, I said, ‘Trust me, it’s not going to be that easy.’ There’s a lot of work to be done. That’s what we’re doing and that’s what we intend to do,” Dyche said.
He also stressed that he is not “worried” about Leeds but is definitely “aware” of their threats.