Latest update on Nottingham Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo’s team gears up for their first pre-season friendly.
The build-up to the 2024/25 campaign begins today for Nottingham Forest as they face Chesterfield in their first summer friendly.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo admitted it was tough being appointed midway through last season as he was denied a pre-season to get to know his squad. Now, he is looking to make the most of this opportunity.
Forest aims to push on in the Premier League when it kicks off next month, and Nuno has several issues to address before the season starts. NottinghamshireLive outlines some key areas he will focus on.
Strongest XI
Nuno took time to figure out his best team after taking charge last December. Injuries and absences were a challenge, and there was some rotation in the squad. Establishing a consistent lineup will be crucial, and pre-season friendlies will help Nuno determine his strongest XI, especially with new players like Carlos Miguel, Elliot Anderson, and Eric da Silva Moreira joining the team.
Set-piece Woes
Forest struggled with set-pieces last season, both in attacking and defending. They conceded a league-high 22 goals from set-pieces in 2023/24. Addressing this issue during pre-season is crucial. With Simon Rusk, the set-piece coach, now at Southampton, Forest must find new solutions to this ongoing problem.
Transfer Gaps
While a solid start to the transfer window has been made, Forest still has work to do. Strengthening at center-back is a priority. The pre-season friendlies will help Nuno identify any additional signings needed to ensure a balanced squad for the tough season ahead.
Finding Form
Several players shone last season, including Murillo, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Neco Williams, Anthony Elanga, Chris Wood, Ola Aina, Willy Boly, and Morgan Gibbs-White. The aim is to have them pick up where they left off. Additionally, Nuno needs to get the best out of players who didn’t perform to their potential, such as Ibrahim Sangare, who could benefit from a full pre-season to make a greater impact.
With these focal points, Nuno Espirito Santo will look to prepare Nottingham Forest for a successful 2024/25 season.