Sean Dyche’s reign at Nottingham Forest kicked off with a 2-0 UEFA Europa League victory over FC Porto. Goals from Morgan Gibbs White and Igor Jesus secured all three points for Forest their first win in eight matches marking a significant boost for the Premier League side.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Dyche expressed his delight with both the result and the performance: “Marvellous. It meant a lot. The players have been through a lot and the fans have, but just to give something back to them, put a smile on their faces, but also, the performance. We’ve had two games with the players.
“We’ve crammed a lot in, they’ve listened. They’ve accepted it, they’ve delivered it. That’s the most pleasing thing for the coaching side and myself. I thank the players for it, because it’s not easy. It’s only a start, there’s a lot more to come, but it’s a good start.
“The shape was good and we had to make sure that we kept it but also with the ball, can we stretch them? We managed to find the balance, and we will get fitter and sharper. It will take a little bit of time. We’re very proud to be here with our past and connection to the club but that goes away quickly. To get a clean sheet and a win for the crowd and the players and give them a bit more belief was great.”
Nottingham Forest will now shift their focus back to the Premier League, with a crucial trip to the Vitality Stadium up next.