Every word Nuno said on Danilo, Carlos Miguel, Ward-Prowse and Nottingham Forest trust
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was delighted to see Nottingham Forest maintain their momentum by beating Luton Town 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.
Goals from Ryan Yates and Ramon Sosa made it seven successive wins for the Reds in all competitions. It sets them up nicely for Tuesday night’s Premier League clash with fellow title challengers Liverpool.
Against the Hatters, Nuno named a completely different starting XI to Monday’s triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made clear he saw the tie as an opportunity to reward players who have otherwise struggled for minutes for their hard work in training.
The match also saw midfielder Danilo make his comeback from a broken ankle after being sidelined since the opening game of the season. Below is a look at what the Forest head coach had to say after the final whistle at the City Ground.
On the result and performance…
“It was good. It was important for all the players to play and for us to reward them.
“They enjoyed themselves, playing at the City Ground. It was the first time playing together for many of them, but overall it was job done in a very professional way.
“We were organised and committed. Of course some of it didn’t flow so good, but that’s normal and is not so important. What was important was that we were able to continue (in the competition) and we did it in a nice way.”
On whether Sosa took his chance to impress by registering a goal and an assist…
“It’s not about taking chances. We know some of the players need more time to settle down, but all the players who come in are having an impact on the team. They showed again that we have a good squad and we are ready to go.”
On Danilo making his return…
“It was beautiful. When he came to the touchline, immediately all our fans started singing. It was beautiful.
“It is good to have him around. He is not 100 percent yet, as you can see. But slowly, he can become a good option for us.”
On the sense of unity within the club…
“We have to keep on going and improve it. Today, the way the fans started singing with us showed that we and the fans and the city are all the same. I believe it is everybody together and we can be stronger like that.”
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On a fifth successive clean-sheet in all competitions…
“That’s the principle and the basic starting point for everything. They had a couple of chances, not too many, but (Carlos) Miguel did well.
“We were compact and solid. Everything has to start from there, because we realise that if we are organised and solid we always have a chance because of the speed and the talent we have (in attack).”
On what the different XI says about the strength of the squad…
“It didn’t change my mind, because if I didn’t trust them I would not start them. We made a lot of changes but the depth of the squad is there. We still have to improve, but it is good to have all of them.
“Only Ibrahim (Sangare) is not with us. Other than that, we have all of them healthy. It is good because it is going to be very tough.”
On maintaining momentum…
“It is very important to keep the momentum, the spirit and the habit going. It is always nice when we go to tomorrow with a smile and prepare for a tough game. If we are happy, it is easier.”
On looking ahead to Tuesday night…
“Now we have Sunday and Monday. Let’s prepare. I will be with you again before Tuesday so we will speak about it then.”
On James Ward-Prowse’s performance…
“He played a good game. James is very professional. He always plays to his limits. I’m very happy with the performance.”
On Yates’ goal…
“It was important. We want goals from all over. It was a typical movement we have been working on. He did well, Ryan. I hope he does it again.”
