Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says he still has plenty of work to do to make his mark on Nottingham Forest.
The Reds claimed their first points under the Portuguese on Boxing Day when they saw off Newcastle United 3-1. A Chris Wood hat-trick stunned the Magpies, while the visitors constantly looked a threat on the counterattack at St James’ Park.
The victory provided a much-needed lift for the squad on the back of a seven-match winless run. But Nuno insists it will take more time to fully implement his ideas as looks to instil an identity on the team.
“It is very soon, we have had two games and not many training sessions,” he said ahead of Saturday’s City Ground clash with Manchester United. “You have to think about the growing process and the knowledge that we have to have on all the squad.
“We know the quality that we have, it is just trying to get the best out of each one of them in the right moments in games so they can deliver to the team. We are in the process of trying to achieve an identity but it is very, very early days.
“I think we will reach there, but we need time. And especially we need the commitment of everyone inside the club, especially the squad. It is a big squad but the talent is there, so it is up to us to try to improve it.”
Nuno has been in charge for little more than a week, after being announced as Steve Cooper’s replacement last Wednesday. He is still getting to know his players but says confidence has been boosted by seeing off the Magpies.
“It was huge,” he added of Tuesday’s win. “Everything is easier when you achieve a good performance like that. We can keep growing and improving. It was a big moment for us.
“We have to improve. We have to keep on going.
“We are getting to know each other. It is still early days, but as training sessions and games go by we are able to know more about the players individually and what they can give us. We are finding the right moments, the right positions and the right decisions for all these things to try to achieve what we want, which is a team that can compete well in every game.”
