Every word Nuno said on Nottingham Forest injuries, team selection and FA Cup win over Exeter City
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo admitted to a sense of relief as Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided being on the end of an FA Cup upset on Tuesday night.
The Reds triumphed 4-2 on spot-kicks over League One Exeter City after the fourth round clash in Devon had finished 2-2 after extra-time. They will now face Ipswich Town at the City Ground next month in the fifth round.
Ramon Sosa and Taiwo Awoniyi found the back of the net for the visitors after they had fallen behind with five minutes on the clock. But a Willy Boly own goal levelled the scores and despite the hosts going down to 10 men, it took a penalty shootout to decide the tie. Below is a look at what Nuno had to say after the final whistle at St James Park.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest player ratings as one man shines but others struggle in tough cup tie
READ MORE: James Ward-Prowse speaks out on Nottingham Forest exit and what he had to 'endure'
On going through to the next round…
“We are relieved, I think we all are. It was not the best game. We started bad but reacted well. In terms of the first half, we were really dominant, created and changed the score.
“The idea in the second half was to try to close the game down. We conceded from a set-piece and after that everything changes with the crowd.
“Exeter were one man less, so a lot of credit for them because they didn’t give us any space and made us rush decisions. We are relieved and happy that we go through.”
On Awoniyi being stretchered off…
“It was a concussion and I think he broke his nose. He is in a lot of pain but has a smile on his face because he did an amazing job and scored for us, which we were delighted about. He has already been checked and is OK to travel (back).”
On Carlos Miguel being substituted with an injury…
“We have to assess him now. I think it is a hamstring and he did it on a goal kick. Let’s assess him and hope we are not without him for too much time.”
On changing his starting line-up…
“It is not about rest, it is about how we are approaching the competition. We did the same at home to Luton and we will probably do the same again (in the next round).
“Unfortunately we cannot give minutes to all the players, so this is a reward for all the players who are working so hard and the young boys. It is good for us. It is not resting players, it is taking care of all of the squad.”
On having first-team players on the bench…
“They were always going to get in the game. It is not about who starts, it is about all of the squad. They didn’t solve the problems, they helped the team.”
On whether Liverpool’s exit provided food for thought with the team selection…
“Let’s look at our team. It is not about that. There are no starting players or substitutes, it is a squad that we will use to face all the competitions that are ahead of us.
“It is not about resting players, it is about rewarding the players who are working so hard. Many of them are coming into games and having so much impact, so why not change things around?”
On whether the cup has opened up now a few big teams are out…
“It is the same. It doesn’t change (anything). The FA Cup is very hard - just look at some of the surprises that came.
“We just have to do our job. We are back at the City Ground and we are going to be ready.”
On whether the team selection will be similar against Ipswich…
“I cannot say, let’s see. But since we started the competition, this was our idea - to try to create a platform for our players to have game time and help us moving forward for the rest of the season.
“If everyone has minutes in their legs, it will make things easier for us (in the Premier League) - I hope. As long as we are healthy and have enough numbers, I think we can compete in both competitions really well.”
On practising penalties…
“Of course. All teams don’t ignore penalties. It is not a lottery. We took time on it in training sessions.”
On Exeter…
“Wow. We took a look at them (beforehand) and knew it was going to be hard. They fought for their lives.
“I have been on the other side, as an underdog, many times so I know how hard it is. I credit Exeter a lot.”
