Nuno Espirito Santo, the newly appointed head coach of Nottingham Forest, has embarked on his tenure with a commendable and classy gesture. Following the departure of Steve Cooper, who spent two and a half years at the helm of the City Ground, Espirito Santo steps into the role with a wealth of managerial experience, having previously managed clubs such as Porto, Valencia, Wolves, and Tottenham.
Notably, it was his successful stint with Wolves that likely contributed to his opportunity at Nottingham Forest, as the Molineux-based club achieved seventh-place finishes twice under his leadership.
Espirito Santo recognizes the significant legacy left by his predecessor at Forest. Steve Cooper was highly regarded by the fans for ending the club’s 23-year wait to play in the Premier League and subsequently securing their position in the top flight. Despite the sizable shoes he has to fill, Espirito Santo expresses his readiness to embrace the challenge.
In a noteworthy display of sportsmanship during his first press conference as the new head coach, Espirito Santo eschewed the typical media-driven rhetoric associated with many Premier League managers. Instead, he chose to pay immediate tribute to Steve Cooper, acknowledging the remarkable achievement of returning Forest to the Premier League and maintaining their status in the elite division.
In a statement to BBC Sport, Espirito Santo commended Cooper’s contributions, stating, “What Steve Cooper did at this football club is amazing. Putting Forest back in the Premier League, keeping Forest in the Premier League. That shows how good Forest fans are, the respect they show for Steve. That says a lot about our fans.” This gesture not only reflects Espirito Santo’s humility but also underscores the mutual respect between the coaching staff and the fanbase.
While opinions on Cooper’s dismissal may vary among the fans, Espirito Santo encourages unity and support for the new coaching regime. Despite not being obligated to acknowledge his predecessor, the Portuguese manager’s decision to do so speaks volumes about his character and approach to the job.
With experience guiding Wolves to the Europa League and receiving praise for his coaching methods, Espirito Santo is well-aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Forest’s recent struggles under Cooper emphasize the need for a fresh start, and Espirito Santo’s commitment to the cause will be crucial in steering the team away from the relegation zone and up the table.
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