Nottingham Forest
What Nuno said on Nottingham Forest penalty shootout win, injury concerns
Nottingham Forest triumphed on penalties to seal their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup and set up a tie with Manchester United.
Just as at Ashton Gate, there was little to choose between the Reds and Bristol City in the fourth round replay. Divock Origi’s first goal in the Garibaldi was cancelled out by Jason Knight’s strike before the quarter-hour.
It remained 1-1 after extra-time at the City Ground, but Forest won 5-3 in the shootout with Taiwo Awoniyi bagging the decisive spot-kick. Below is a look at what Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had to say after the final whistle.
“It was crucial. It has to give him confidence. We know it is not easy for him after the decision we took to change (goalkeeper) in the Premier League, but his response is of a top professional.
“Everybody was involved. We congratulate them because this is the FA Cup and it’s so special. We are so happy and proud to continue in it and keep fighting.
“It is huge for us to fight for a trophy. With the history of this club we have to keep fighting and try to deliver.”
“In the first half he had energy and did well. As the minutes went by, you could see he has had a long absence.
“But at the same time, we have options to allow these players to play. It gives us options for the future.
“We are trying to manage what we have and recover players who have been out. We still have a lot of players involved in AFCON until the final on the 11th. It is important to try to get as many options as we can.”
On injury concerns…
“Let’s see. We had players struggling, especially with extra-time and all these issues. Let’s assess them and see how they are.
“Morgan (Gibbs-White) was struggling, and Felipe. And for players who have been out so long it is tough to play extra-time.
“The decision (on team selection) was the only possible way to manage the situation we are in now, to try to protect players who are returning. We have to measure the minutes they are on the pitch. At the same time, we also have to manage the players coming back from long absences.
“But the response was good in this aspect. It was tough but the attitude and the character to never give up makes me very happy.”
On Joe Gardner’s debut…
“He was so happy! Now he is going to realise what happened to him because it was tough when we put him on the pitch. He is a young boy who is working with us.
“He did well. He showed a spirit, a character and an energy.
“I’m very happy for him. I hope he has a fantastic career. I will try to help him as much as I can.”
On Moussa Niakhate scoring a penalty…
“We prepared the penalties very carefully on Tuesday. We always do, because we know it can happen.
“We took the decision based on the way they practised. Moussa told me what happened at AFCON (a missed penalty for Senegal) wouldn’t happen again, so I trust him.”
On the next round…
“It is going to be a fantastic tie against Manchester United. But before that we have a lot of things to think about and prepare for. We have got a tough game on Saturday.
“Thank you to our fans at the City Ground. They are amazing and made this possible.”
