Roy Keane has told Nottingham Forest they need to learn how to come from behind in games, if they are to push on again next season.
The Reds are back in Europe for the first time in 30 years having qualified for the UEFA Conference League. But there is some sense of disappointment that their campaign ended the way it did.
At one stage, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were among the favourites to clinch a top-five finish in the Premier League and secure a spot in the Champions League. However, a run of two wins in their final eight games meant they fell short and ended up seventh.
Keane has attributed his former club’s stuttering form in recent weeks down to feeling the pressure. He has also pointed to a poor record of turning games around after falling behind, with Forest having claimed only six points from a losing position.
“I think the pressure got to the group of players sometimes," the ex-midfielder said on Sky Sports. "People talk about feeling the pressure more at home sometimes, with the expectation.
“First four, five, six months of the season they were probably under the radar and everyone was getting pats on the back. All of a sudden, I think it was when they beat (Manchester) United, it was all ‘Forest are going to do it’.
“They couldn’t cope with it. They found ways to lose football matches.
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.
“Their whole game plan is set on scoring the first goal. And that has to change.
“It is as if when they concede first they can’t change their mindset because they are set in their ways so much. That is fantastic when you’re getting results and you score the first goal, but the stats from when they concede (first) it seems like there is no way back for them. That has to change at the football club.”
Nuno’s side were unable to take advantage of results elsewhere going in their favour on the final day of the campaign. They lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea on Sunday and finished just one point below Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Do you agree with Keane? Click HERE to have your say