Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo admitted to mixed emotions as Nottingham Forest ended the Premier League season with a 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea.
The Reds were already guaranteed some form of European football going into the final day of the campaign, but they still had a chance of securing a place in the Champions League. Results elsewhere went their way, with rivals Newcastle United and Aston Villa dropping points, but Forest were unable to do their bit and missed out on a top-five spot.
They finished the season seventh in the table and will play in the UEFA Conference League next term. It is the first time the club have qualified for Europe in three decades but there was still a sense of frustration and disappointment for the hosts.
“It is too early to make a big reflection of all these things,” Nuno said. “First of all, as a coaching staff, we have to thank the players because they worked very hard every day. We have a very good squad. We have to thank the fans for their incredible support until the end.
“When you look back at all of the season, I think it’s a good season. We have been able to improve many things in our team and we have a good platform.
“We should be proud of the way we have a group of people who want to help each other to improve, including through bad times like today. We stick together.
“We are disappointed. But in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it’s been good.
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.
“It has been a very demanding season, especially for the players. I don’t know how many have started more than 30 games.
“They gave it their all. That’s why I say we should be proud. Now we have to rest, and deservedly so.
“It is not easy for me to speak about all these things because today is tough, especially with what happened.
“We knew the last day was going to be tough for all the teams involved in this fight. We came short.
“We were aware (of what was going on). We knew one goal could change everything.”
What did you make of Forest's defeat to Chelsea? Click HERE to have your say