Nottingham Forest’s head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has expressed his confidence in club record signing Ibrahim Sangare, envisioning the midfielder as a crucial asset for the team despite a challenging start to his Forest career. Sangare, who made a £30 million move from PSV Eindhoven in the summer, has faced hurdles adapting to English football, compounded by injuries and illness.
Sangare’s absence due to a groin issue was notable in the recent 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, Nuno’s first match in charge. While the injury is not severe, Forest is cautious not to take risks with the 26-year-old. Nuno acknowledges the depth of the midfield options but emphasizes Sangare’s significance once he returns to full fitness.
The head coach addressed Sangare’s current situation, stating, “Ibrahim Sangare is different. He is not in his best moment yet. He was seriously ill; he lost weight, and it is his groin. But he is definitely an option for us. Of course, I know him, and I expect him to help the team, especially in his position as a midfielder; he can be very, very helpful.”
Nuno sees unlocking Sangare’s potential as a vital challenge. Despite making ten appearances for Forest, Sangare hasn’t played since the 5-0 defeat to Fulham under the previous manager, Steve Cooper. In addition to the groin problem, Sangare has been grappling with the aftermath of a virus contracted during the November international break, impacting his physical condition significantly.
As Forest looks forward to Sangare’s return, Nuno remains optimistic about the midfielder’s contribution, highlighting his role in the team’s midfield. The head coach’s expectations underscore Sangare’s importance and the potential impact he can have once fully integrated into the squad.
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