Chris Wood, the striker for Nottingham Forest, is certain that his team has what it takes to win the relegation struggle, even though Forest is fully aware that it may come down to the last minute.
The front man claims that the task of overturning a four-point deficit was sufficient to bring the team together. Even if there haven’t been many wins on the field this season, he maintains that there has always been a strong spirit.
On Saturday, Wood’s magnificent header against Crystal Palace secured a point, lifting Nuno Espirito Santo’s team out of the bottom three for the first time. The New Zealand international wants to make sure that the punishment for breaking financial regulations, which led to their dip below the dotted line, is “irrelevant” at the end of the season.
When questioned if the squad had adopted a siege mentality as a result of the deduction, he responded, “Look, it’s always been there.” We are aware that we have a strong team and squad, and we demonstrate this in 80–85% of our games.
We don’t always finish things because there are things we need to learn. But we will simply continue to construct.
“The side you see on paper is an improvement over the previous year.” We must continue moving forward and developing as a team in order to keep getting better.
“The deduction is one of the items we anticipated. That’s just the way things are. The team is making every effort to find a solution, but as players, we need to win games. It gets easier and the points become less significant the more games you win.
But it’s one of those things where we simply have to move on because we already know what the issue is. It’s not going to change right now; things could improve, but if not, we know where we stand. However, we must move forward.
A hearing for the club’s appeal against the deduction for violating the Profitability and Sustainability Rules is scheduled for this month. After the last round of games, nevertheless, it’s possible that the relegation status is still uncertain.
Everton has previously been punished 10 points for a breach earlier in the season; the punishment was lowered to six on appeal. They are yet to get the result of their second PSR allegation. Five days after the season’s final day, on May 24, the Premier League has set aside that date as a backup for deciding both claims.
Forest’s head coach Nuno has emphasized that they cannot concentrate on off-field issues. In addition, Wood is aware of what to anticipate from the field as the last eight games get near.
The 32-year-old went through his fair share of relegation struggles when playing for Burnley. He contributed as well, helping the Reds last season defy the odds and stay in the league.
“I’ve been involved in it throughout my career,” he remarked. Additionally, other players shared their experiences with me when I was younger.
It all comes down to remaining composed and united. It’s just about sticking together, not about going too high or too low.
“We converse and engage with them (the younger players), offering them encouragement.” And that’s the primary concern. You must maintain everyone’s optimism and happiness. And that’s when football is played at its best.
It all comes down to fighting and ensuring that everyone maintains their optimism. As players, we are aware that it will come down to the final games. You don’t have to escape the relegation zone in the first two or three games, and although we hope not, we know it most likely will.
“It’s about being tenacious, remaining loyal to one another and the team, and getting support from the entire club and its supporters.” It is important to maintain your composure because you will experience both good and bad days, as well as good and bad performances.
“We need to make use of all eight whole games that we still have left. It’s not enough to use one or two throughout the initial phase.
Yes, it would be ideal to win two straight games to escape the relegation zone, but it doesn’t always work out. Other teams are also engaged in fierce combat.
All we need to do is remain composed and stick together as a team and as a fan base. I am aware that every player in the locker room shares a common goal of doing well for the team.
Although Forest knows they must win in order to move up in the standings, they still think the point versus Palace could prove to be crucial. In 2024, they have only won once in the Premier League, and that was in February.
The match at the City Ground on Tuesday night against Fulham offers one last opportunity to win three points. Wood wants the hosts to take full advantage of the situation.
“You never know; after these two games, you might conclude that four points were rightfully earned if you go on to win on Tuesday,” he continued. “Now that we have another excellent opportunity and the games are coming thick and fast, we must act.”
