NafisaNottingham Forest have been explained why their Champions League bid stumbled as they gear up for a “must-win” fixture at West Ham on Sunday.
The Reds, who were relegation contenders just a year ago, have taken the Premier League by surprise this season under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
They occupied a top-three position for much of the campaign, and at one stage appeared certain to mount a Champions League challenge next season.
However, a streak of just one victory in their last six matches has seen that challenge diminish, so much so that failure to win at the London Stadium will likely mean they have to settle for a spot in one of the lesser European tournaments.
While that is an excellent accomplishment in itself, BBC football presenter and Forest supporter Darren Fletcher believes he understands exactly why Nuno and his squad have struggled recently.
He told listeners to BBC Radio 5Live’s Premier League kick-off show: “I looked the other day and eight players have started at least 29 Premier League matches this season. They’ve had a long run in the FA Cup as well.
“But Forest didn’t do anything in January because they couldn’t find the players they wanted to bring in. At the same time, Manchester City bought four in, Aston Villa bought Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio. Forest didn’t do anything, they’ve tried to get through the season with what they’ve got.
“They can do it when their best 11 is functioning properly and everything’s fine, but fatigue and injuries are a factor at the back end of the season, and I think that’s what has really hurt them.
“Still, it’s the first time in 30 years they’re in Europe and people are talking about it being a disappointing end to the season – it’s a bizarre conundrum.”
Fletcher acknowledges fans will be disheartened by the way the campaign has slipped away, despite it being a remarkable improvement on previous years. He added: “Yes, if they don’t get to the Champions League, then they will now be disappointed.
“My view would be that they should see this as a long-term project, that they want to be around these positions season after season.
“If you look at this from a broader perspective, that might be a better way to develop the squad, build it a little bit more patiently than having to bring in loads of players for the Champions League next season.
“Either way, I think it has to be a win. The fact they’re going to play in Europe next season, and they’ve had the kind of year they’ve had, has to be a positive for them.”
The Champions League dream isn’t over… yet. If we win our last two games, we’ll finish ahead of Chelsea. Man City need to win at least one of their final two matches, but they’re struggling to find the net right now.
Plus, Newcastle are playing away at Arsenal today.Then there’s Aston Villa, who have to visit Old Trafford—where Bruno Fernandes will surely want one last moment of glory before his move to Saudi Arabia—and Everton might be able to hold Newcastle back. So, there’s still a real chance we could finish third.
It’s all in the hands of the lads today.
Nafisa
