Amid speculation about his future, Nuno Espirito Santo underlined his commitment to Nottingham Forest after his team’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
The Reds came from behind to claim a point at Selhurst Park courtesy of Callum Hudson-Odoi’s second-half strike. But the focus post-match continued to be on the position of the man in the dugout.
Prior to the game, Nuno had added fuel to rumours his job was under threat and also admitted to a deterioration in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis. It has also been aleged there is a rift between the Portuguese and global head of football Edu. Below is a look at what he had to say after the final whistle in the capital.
On the result and performance…
“We expected a tough match, and it was. It was very competitive and intense.
“Palace are a very good team and are so well organised with their shape and no gaps. They have talented players.
“We had a good response to them. Both halves we were in the game and competing.
“When we conceded, we lost a bit of balance and organisation, but the second half reaction was really good. The boys showed character and belief.
“It could go both ways. Palace had chances at the end of the first half and we had chances at the end of the game. Overall, I think it was a good performance.
“I think there is still something missing in terms of complicities. The players that came in were helpful and fantastic, but they need to gel. All these situations can come.”
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
On whether he is confident of remaining in charge…
“I cannot answer that question. But what I know is that I am working and trying to do my job the best I can.
“Of course the situation has to be solved. We are responsible people and we are going to have a good conversation to try to create, more than anything, a good platform for what is most important - the team.”
On planning to hold talks with Marinakis and Edu…
“Not only us three, all the club has to come together. First of all, let’s try to complete our squad - this is really important in the final days of the transfer window.
“We need three players - one more goalie and two full-backs because we cannot live with the fear of if something happens to Ola (Aina) and Neco (Williams). After these situations, what is important is Forest not the persons.
“We are going to have them. We must, we must.
“What I think is we need to have these conversations, and we are going to have them. This is what I think is more important than anything. The players need it, the squad needs it, the club needs it, we need it. And we are going to have it.”
On whether he is offended by reports his job is in the balance…
“This is how football is. There are things I cannot control. What comes out, the sacking (rumour), I cannot control.
“What I said - and I had a long think about it - is my concern for the squad. Last season these boys achieved something fantastic. If we as a club don’t help them, in terms of numbers, quality and talent, everything will go.
“What we have ahead of us is Premier League, Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup. You know how many games this means for us? This is the respect we have to show to our squad and help them.”
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.
On whether it is possible to get back to harmony at the club…
“I believe so. Everybody wants the best for Forest - me first. All the club wants the best for Forest.
“This is the first time in my career I am facing this situation and being asked these things. It is not helpful, but I believe conflict doesn’t work out. We have to create harmony and we need it.”
On the new signings showing there is strength in depth in the squad…
“I look at players as options. What they cost - you have known me for a long time - I look at them as options.
“If one of our wingers can play at full-back, I will be the first to say that we need only one full-back. But Omari (Hutchinson), Kali (Arnaud Kalimuendo), Macca (James McAtee), I look at them and they are not full-backs.
“The team needs full-backs. We have Omar Richards and Eric Moreira, who need to move and proceed their careers and be happy, because I cannot give what they need in their careers, which is minutes.”
On whether Marinakis or Edu had spoken to him since Friday’s press conference…
“They were here. They were here today and we showed what Forest is.
“Since the press conference, what is really important? The players, the fans - they were here supporting the team. The players showed character and ambition, as well as commitment. They played a good game, we have a good path forward.”
On suggestions he is looking to leave the club…
“Absolute nonsense. Absurd. This narrative is absurd. I would not (quit or walk away), ever. I love what I do. The moment I don’t enjoy it, it is over.
“I have a huge respect for Roy Hodgson. Chapeau. Every time I saw him working, I said: ‘Wow, can I do the same?’ I wish I could.”
On the players’ response to the off-field situation…
“Focus, determination, ignore the noise, this was our message. They are human beings and everything that happens around affects us. But I think we were able to shield them.
“I have players here who I have known since they were 16 years old. They know me. We know each other.
“What we achieved last season together will stick forever in our memories. This is the responsibility we have to our club - ignore the noise and work hard. The boys did it well and I hope I can do it again next week.”
On whether he has offered the players reassurance about his position…
“Yes, of course. We speak every day.”
On the atmosphere…
“It was like it always is at Selhurst Park - very, very supportive of Palace. Today it was a little bit more.
“But I will repeat what I said before. The narrative that went out, it was unfair for us as professionals. We are not to blame.
“We achieved a place in Europe. What happened after that, we are not to blame. I hope, with all my respect, that Palace fans understand that and, through time, they can say ‘okay, it was not Forest’.
“The next time we come here, it will always be a tough atmosphere. But they show respect, I didn’t see anything beyond the normal situation.”
What do you make of Nuno's situation? Click HERE to have your say