Nuno Espirito Santo is convinced Nottingham Forest have a solid platform to build on after their 1-0 loss to Chelsea left them having to settle for a place in the Conference League.
The Reds went into their final Premier League game of the season still in with a chance of securing the top-five finish required to clinch Champions League qualification. But they were unable to take advantage of results elsewhere going in their favour as Levi Colwill’s 50th minute goal proved decisive on the banks of the Trent.
Finishing seventh still represents impressive progress for Forest, who are in Europe for the first time in three decades. Below is a look at what Reds head coach Nuno had to say after the final whistle at the City Ground.
On his overriding feeling on the game and on the season…
“It is too soon to make a big reflection of all these things. First of all, as a coaching staff, we have to thank the players - especially and foremost them - because they really worked very hard every day.
“We have a very good squad, so we have to thank them. And 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.”
On a sense of deflation about how the final day went…
“Yes, there’s no doubt about it. When you look back, we feel this. But it is very difficult to ask for any kind of energy today.
“We are disappointed. But in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it’s been good.”
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On a tiring campaign…
“All of us. It has been a very demanding season, especially for the players. I don’t know how many have started more than 30 games.
“But 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. It is tough to take, especially with what happened (elsewhere). We knew the last day was going to be very difficult for all the teams involved in this fight and we came short.”
On being aware of results elsewhere…
“Of course. We were aware; there was stuff we knew. We knew one goal could change everything. This is what the perception does to you - what if?”
On qualifying for the Conference League…
“It is going to be a new challenge for the club. There is improvement to be made, but now is a totally different reality for us to face. It is going to be very demanding and challenging.”
On Chris Wood having chances against Chelsea…
“But this is the life of a striker. But I cannot say anything (negative) about not only him but all the players. We should be proud of the way they have been working. When a player gives everything they have, nothing to say.”
On Nikola Milenkovic being crowned Forest player of the season…
“I would give it to all of them. Nikola did great and deserves credit. Since he arrived, he had a big impact, in terms of the team - not only the game but also his presence and his leadership.
“Deservedly so (he won the award). But for me, there are many candidates. For me, it is not player of the season, it is team of the season and squad of the season.”
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