The presentation of Nottingham Forest, ahead of the start of the Premier League.
The 2024-25 season for Nottingham Forest brings new hopes and expectations. After two seasons fighting for survival in the Premier League, the goal is clear: to improve their position and secure safety, with ambitions for even higher rankings.
The key to success this year will be stability in defense. The addition of central defender Nikola Milenkovic, who has the reputation of a player who can “break down walls” with his determination, is a significant step in that direction. The Brazilian goalkeeper, standing at 2.03 m, is expected to bring security and stability between the posts, especially in set pieces, where the team had significant problems last season.
The start of the season will be crucial for the team’s trajectory. The first matches against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Southampton are vital for establishing a solid foundation. Winning these games could boost confidence and lay the groundwork for a successful year.
The off-field situation
Administrative changes and financial decisions have always been part of life at the City Ground. Recent ticket price increases, reaching up to 111% for some children’s tickets and 28% for adults, have caused a small stir among fans, while discussions about expanding the stadium remain prominent. Smart financial management was critical during the transfer window. Despite concerns over potential sales of key players like Morgan Gibbs-White, the team managed to make a profit from the transfer of Moussa Niakhate to Lyon, while retaining its core members.
The coach: Nuno Espírito Santo
Nuno took over the team at a difficult time, succeeding the extremely popular Steve Cooper. The team improved under his guidance, with a particular focus on defensive cohesion and creative freedom in attack. However, expectations are high, and the pressure for better performance is greater than ever. The Portuguese coach accomplished the challenging task of survival with a squad he did not build himself, but now had the time through preseason to “construct” the team he desired!
The key players
Morgan Gibbs-White continues to be the star of the team, while the performance of Jota Silva is expected to be decisive. His speed and technique are anticipated to provide substantial support to Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. The bet for the team is to keep Taiwo Awoniyi healthy, as he can be the driving force for achieving a target that will bring Forest into the mid-table of the standings.
The season ahead brings significant challenges and opportunities for Nottingham Forest. Success will depend on defensive stability, the effective use of transfers, and the team’s ability to start the season strongly.
The summer transfers
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The Roster