Nuno Espirito Santo’s candid reflection on his decision to leave Anthony Elanga out of the starting lineup for Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City speaks volumes about his approach to management and his understanding of the bigger picture. In a high-pressure match that could have given Forest a chance to reach the prestigious FA Cup final, many fans were taken aback by the decision to bench Elanga. After all, the Swedish forward had been one of Forest’s standout performers leading up to that game, showing great promise and energy. When Elanga was eventually brought on in the second half, it was evident that his presence injected new life into the team, with his pace and directness causing problems for City’s defense. It raised the question: why not start him from the beginning?
In his post-match interview, Nuno, while acknowledging the positive impact Elanga had when he entered the fray, maintained a level-headed stance on the decision. He remarked, “I regret so many things in my life, but that is not the point.” This blunt honesty is a refreshing approach from a manager who could easily have been tempted to dodge questions about a tactical decision that didn’t go as planned. Instead of dwelling on regret, Nuno focused on the broader aspects of managing a squad through a busy and physically demanding season. For him, it’s about being pragmatic—making decisions based on the context of the match, player fitness, and the tactical challenges that each game presents.
Nuno’s approach suggests that he is not someone who allows a single decision, whether good or bad, to define his entire outlook. He understands that football is a game of many variables, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. It’s a quality that can be crucial for any manager, particularly in the Premier League, where the competition is fierce and the margin for error is razor-thin. For Nuno, the real focus after a tough loss like this is to look ahead, to focus on recovery, and to keep his players mentally strong for the battles to come. As he said, “After the sadness goes away we’ll be stronger.” That kind of resilience is something every successful manager needs, especially when there is so much at stake in the remainder of the season.
And while the defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final was a bitter pill to swallow, Forest’s eyes are now set firmly on their Premier League ambitions. With only five league matches left, Nottingham Forest find themselves in the midst of a thrilling race for a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. It’s a remarkable position for a club that was battling relegation not too long ago, and Nuno’s leadership has been a key factor in transforming Forest into a competitive force in the Premier League.
The battle for a top-four finish is going to be tight. Forest are currently in a position where every point counts. Competing with heavyweights like Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester City—alongside Aston Villa, who have been one of the standout teams this season—means that Nuno’s men will have to bring their A-game for every match. The remaining fixtures are going to test the mental and physical limits of the players, and there is little room for mistakes. But Forest’s ability to rise to the occasion is what makes this season so exciting for their supporters. Their top-six aspirations are more than just a possibility—they’re very much within reach.
What adds an extra layer of intrigue is the fact that Nottingham Forest do have a relatively favorable set of fixtures in the final stretch of the season. A home game against Brentford presents an opportunity to secure three crucial points, given that Forest’s home form has been solid throughout the campaign. The City Ground has been a fortress at times, and Forest will need to capitalize on that if they are to maintain their push for the Champions League. Beyond that, the remaining fixtures get increasingly difficult, with trips to top-tier clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle awaiting. But this is where the mentality of Nuno and his squad will be truly tested. Can they handle the pressure of competing for a spot among Europe’s elite? Can they match the intensity of clubs with more resources and experience at this level?
One of the most tantalizing aspects of Forest’s run-in is that their final game of the season is against Chelsea. By that stage, both clubs may still be battling for European football, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win for Forest in that game could be the difference between finishing in a Champions League spot or missing out on Europe entirely. For a club like Forest, to even be in such a position at the end of the season would be a remarkable achievement. But it’s exactly this kind of pressure that makes the Premier League so thrilling and unpredictable. And that’s exactly why the final day against Chelsea could be one of the most exciting conclusions to the season—imagine a game where both teams are still fighting for a top-four finish and a place in the Champions League.
Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done before that final day, and the key will be how Forest respond to the challenges ahead. They will need to recover quickly from the FA Cup disappointment, shake off any lingering frustration, and channel their focus into the remaining league matches. The momentum from their cup run will likely be a source of motivation, and the squad will need to stay united and determined, knowing that they are capable of competing at the highest level. Nuno’s emphasis on squad management and recovery will be pivotal in ensuring that the team has the energy and sharpness to take on the demanding run-in.
In addition to tactical preparation, Forest will also need to rely on their key players to step up in the final stretch. Players like Brennan Johnson, Taiwo Awoniyi, and, of course, Anthony Elanga, will be crucial in providing that extra spark going forward. The team’s collective resilience and work ethic will be tested, but with Nuno’s guidance, Forest has shown they can hold their own against the best.
For Nuno Espirito Santo, securing a Champions League spot would be a crowning achievement in what has already been a successful season for Forest. He’s taken a team that was struggling to survive in the Premier League and transformed them into a side that can go toe-to-toe with the league’s giants. But more than that, it would be a testament to his ability to manage a team in a high-pressure environment and guide them to their ultimate goal. Champions League football would not only be a massive financial boost for the club but would also provide them with a platform to attract even more talent and establish themselves as a mainstay in the top half of the Premier League.
As we approach the final games of the season, one thing is for sure: Nottingham Forest have proven themselves to be a team full of heart, talent, and determination. They have already surpassed expectations, and now they have the chance to create something truly special. The FA Cup may have slipped away, but the Premier League still holds everything to play for. With Nuno at the helm, Forest can dream of a European future—and the final few games are going to be a test of their resilience, skill, and nerve.