The initial wave of optimism that greeted Sean Dyche’s arrival at Nottingham Forest has given way to a more sobering reality. A dismal performance and defeat in Braga, met with audible frustration from the travelling support, has laid bare the challenges facing the manager and his squad.
Forest’s Europa League campaign ended not with a bang, but a whimper in Portugal. The team produced a lethargic display, lacking cutting edge and conviction. The match was defined by a series of self-inflicted wounds: a missed penalty, a rapid own goal, and a late red card. Historically, they became only the second side in the competition’s history to lose without conceding a single shot on target.
This result extends a worrying run of form to just one victory in their last eight matches across all competitions. While a recent draw against league leaders Arsenal showed resilience, it has been a rare bright spot. Exits from domestic cups and laboured league performances have contributed to a growing sense of unease.
Dyche acknowledged the difficult path ahead, stating he anticipated a “bumpy road” when taking charge. He has emphasised the need for squad players to seize their opportunities, particularly with a congested fixture list that includes nine matches in the next 35 days, plus an expected Europa League playoff. However, several high-profile signings from last summer’s significant investment have yet to consistently deliver, increasing the scrutiny on the club’s recruitment strategy.
In response to attacking injuries, the club has moved to secure striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli. Dyche now faces the immediate task of rallying his team for a crucial Premier League encounter at Brentford, where he is likely to recall his first-choice lineup in search of a vital result.
The manager has been candid about the task, dismissing mere adequacy as insufficient. “I don’t like OK. I want more than OK and I’m hungry for more,” Dyche said. For Forest, the festive period’s goodwill has evaporated, replaced by the pressing need for improvement on the pitch.