Nuno Espirito Santo Calls on Nottingham Forest to Secure FA Cup Semi-Final Berth After Prolonged Absence

Nuno Espirito Santo is calling for Nottingham Forest to create a fresh chapter in the club’s illustrious history by aiming for the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in over three decades.

Forest, who are vying for a spot in the Champions League following an impressive season in the Premier League, are set to face Brighton in the quarter-finals on Saturday, fully aware that they are just one victory away from a trip to Wembley.

It’s been since 1991, during Brian Clough’s reign, that Forest featured in an FA Cup semi-final, ultimately falling to Tottenham in the final. Nuno is eager to end that lengthy wait.

“As a group and as a club, we’ve managed to instigate significant changes. We’ve shattered records that have lingered for 30 to 40 years,” the Forest manager remarked.

“Now we have another opportunity to set a new record. That’s our mindset.

“From the outset of the FA Cup, we’ve held one ambition – to progress as far as we can.”

Having required penalty shoot-outs to overcome third-tier Exeter and struggling Premier League side Ipswich, Forest recently thrashed Brighton 7-0 in February’s league encounter at the City Ground. However, Nuno noted that past results won’t influence the upcoming clash.

“We aim to advance as far as possible in the FA Cup. This competition means a lot to us, and our supporters cherish it,” he stated.

“The connection between the fans and the squad is developing, growing stronger.

“There’s a mutual belief that we can achieve anything as long as we maintain our approach and work diligently.”

Forest’s star striker Chris Wood will be absent due to a hip injury sustained while on international duty with New Zealand, and the club is currently awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the injury.

Nuno’s side is currently third in the Premier League, holding a five-point lead over fourth-placed Chelsea and a six-point edge on fifth-placed Manchester City with nine matches remaining.

A top-four finish would guarantee Forest’s return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 1980/81 season, while a fifth-place finish could also be sufficient.

Under Clough, the club claimed European glory in 1979 and again in 1980.