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Nuno says Forest should expect hard game but appreciate the ‘joy of the moment’ against Man City

By Callum Wright

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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo says his players must expect a difficult game against Manchester City – but also keep feeling the “joy of the moment” as the Reds continue to challenge for Champions League spot.

The Premier League tie, which takes the early kick-off slot on Saturday March 8 at 12:30, has huge implications in the top four race in the league, with Forest sitting in third on 48 points while City are one point behind in fourth.

Despite the high stakes, Nuno reiterated in his pre-match press conference that the team will approach the game the same and make sure they enjoy the big occasion of hosting Pep Guardiola’s side.

“We have to realise that we’re going to play a very, very good team, a team that has been able to clearly dominate in the last years, a coach that has a big impact on the game, fantastic players,” he said.

“It’s the same approach, realising how hard it’s going to be but with the joy of the moment.”

The reverse fixture on December 4 2024 saw City run out 3-0 winners at the Etihad, but Nuno says the Reds being on home turf will give them the momentum needed to create the chance of a different result.

“The City Ground has been helpful, the atmosphere is great and we expect that, as always, it will be nice to play there,” he said.

“I honestly believe that the players feel comfortable, some of them are just anxious to play there, they enjoy it so much and that reflects on the performance of the team.”

Nuno added he expects the side City will arrive with on Saturday will be stronger than the one that the Reds faced in December, with new signings and returning players bolstering Pep’s squad.

“It’s going to be more difficult than it was before because all the teams have been suffering absences, and when the moment that players start returning they look better, so we expect it to be much harder,” he added.

It will be the second game that Forest have played this week, with the Reds previously defeating Ipswich Town 5-4 on penalties at the City Ground on Monday March 3 to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Nuno reflected on the dramatic victory, speaking about the players’ recovery and the celebrations following the match.

“[They’re] still recovering, it was a good day so we’re recovering better but we’re still assessing players,” he said.

“It was a beautiful moment for all of us as a group of people who work together, for our fans, going to the last penalty and Matz [Sels] making a huge save and making us go through was a beautiful moment.”

Goalkeeper Matz Sels has been around much of the talk surrounding Forest in the week, with the Belgian shot-stopper saving Ipswich’s final penalty by Jack Taylor to send the Reds through, while also being awarded player of the match and Forest’s player of the month for February.

Talking about what has improved in Sels since arriving in Nottingham, Nuno said: “The confidence, the moment, the help of the team, it’s more solid and compact, there’s big improvement in our defensive shape and that reflects on all the team but especially Matz [Sels], he’s able to give us this confidence and is always there to give us a hand when he’s needed.”

When asked about Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and whether he thinks the Brazilian is the best in the world between the sticks, Nuno replied with a smile: “For me it’s Matz Sels”.

Forest kick-off against Manchester City at 12:30 at the City Ground on Saturday, March 8.