It was certainly an unexpected end to Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s final pre-match press conference of the season.
The Portuguese discussed everything from injuries, Chelsea and Forest's Champions League chances when facing the media on Friday lunchtime at the City Ground. Duties done, he retreated for a few minutes and then re-emerged carrying something in his hands.
The object in question was a hand pan - a musical instrument similar to a steelpan. Playing it is Nuno’s way of relaxing.
Having been asked about it by one of his inquisitors, Nuno teased: “Hopefully one of these days, I play for you guys. It’ll make you relax for sure. I have it in my car, you want to listen to it?”
There was widespread agreement on that front. Of course! Nuno’s return a few minutes later, hand pan at the ready, still came as something of a surprise, though.
Captain Ryan Yates has said of his manager’s musical talent: “It's incredible. I went for a chat with him and I just sat there and he was playing it for five, 10 minutes. I was going to fall asleep! It's like you're walking into a luxury spa in a five-star hotel.”
Yates is not wrong. It is indeed a soothing, relaxing sound. Not that Nuno was too happy about his secret skill getting out.
“First of all, I don't know why Yates mentioned it, I'm really upset,” he joked. “It's an instrument that I enjoy playing. I'm trying to learn but it's very difficult. I'm getting better; slowly, slowly making progress.
“It helps you relax a lot; it helps a lot. It's beautiful.”
Nuno’s mini performance earned a round of applause from those watching on. On Sunday, it will be Forest’s turn to try to hit the right notes as they take on the Blues in a final-day decider (4pm kick-off).
The Reds need to win and hope other results go their way. They need Aston Villa and/or Newcastle United to drop points in their respective games away to Manchester United and at home to Everton.
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However, Nuno is keen for his players to focus on their own task and not concern themselves with what is happening elsewhere. Whatever happens, he wants it to be a day of celebration given Forest are guaranteed to be in Europe for the first time in three decades. Although overseeing proceedings comes with its own stresses, the man in the home dugout still relishes the occasion.
“I've been enjoying it all my life, I'm a professional, I've been in football since I was 16 years old, and I enjoy it every day,” Nuno said. “How I enjoy it? Playing the game alongside my players, if I can kick the ball, get the header, get the clearance, score the goal. That's how I enjoy it, I play the game with all of them.
"I think our fans should enjoy it together, no matter what happens. We will have a good walk round on the pitch (after the final whistle) and applaud them because of the support they've given to us; thank them for all of the help that they've given to us. It's again a moment to create a bond among us."
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