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Nottingham Forest

Nuno talked on  Nottingham FA Cup draw, Gibbs-White’s recovery.

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A goalless draw with Bristol City means Nottingham Forest must squeeze another FA Cup replay into their schedule.

The Reds were not at their best at Ashton Gate, particularly in a flat first half. They improved after the break and did create chances, but they were unable to get past the Robins.

The fourth round tie will now be settled when the teams meet at the City Ground next month. Below is what Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had to say after the final whistle.

The first half was not so good. The second half was much better.

“The first half we were not able to control our pressure and we allowed too many balls inside. Bristol City created some problems for us, even though the best chance was Danilo’s one.

There was a lot of improvement in the second half. We controlled the game, we dominated and we didn’t allow chances.

“We created chances in the second half. Now it is finished, let’s go for the second leg. We knew it was going to be difficult, because Bristol City are a good team.”

On keeping a clean-sheet…

“It is a big step for us to have a clean-sheet. It is something we are constantly looking for.

“As a team, we always have to look to defend well, be compact and don’t allow chances. It is a big step for us as a team.

“Since we arrived, we have not been able to keep a clean-sheet. Conceding goals is something that has been causing too many problems for us.

“We have been able to score – every game we have scored two or three goals – but at the same time we have been conceding too much. That’s why I told the boys this is a big step for us, because our first objective in the game always has to be to defend well, be compact, don’t allow chances and keep a clean-sheet. We have talent and quality to solve the game because we create a lot.

“It (the clean-sheet) can definitely give confidence – not only the defenders but all of the team. Not only Matt (Turner), Andrew (Omobamidele), Murillo, (Gonzalo) Montiel and Nuno (Tavares) and Harry (Toffolo); it is not only about them.

“The team was compact, especially in the second half. I was very pleased with the way we controlled the game (in the second half). We dominated and didn’t allow many situations. We had more of the ball. That gives confidence. For me, the confidence of the back line and the goalkeeper is a priority for us.”

On facing another FA Cup replay…

“It has been a busy schedule. With the situation we have, we have a lot of players out. Hopefully for that game, we will have recovered some bodies.

“We want to go through. We will prepare for the replay accordingly and try to beat Bristol City.”

On bringing on Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams at half-time…

“We had to do something because the first half was not going well. Of course it’s good to have options in these moments and being able to bring back Morgan. Everyone knows how important he is for us, with the way he plays and the spaces he finds.

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