Forest’s New Era Begins with Victory Against Porto

Gibbs-White Relieved After Breakthrough Win

Morgan Gibbs-White expressed a sense of relief after Nottingham Forest secured a Europa League win against Porto, marking a turnaround for the team following a challenging few months under new coach Sean Dyche.

The team had experienced a winless streak since the season opener, which resulted in the dismissal of popular manager Nuno Espirito Santo, and a brief tenure for his successor, Ange Postecoglou, who was let go after only 39 days.

Dyche became Forest’s third coach of the season on Tuesday, and in just two days, he led the team to a crucial 2-0 win over Porto—a result celebrated as their first European victory in three decades.

Notable Match Highlights

Gibbs-White set the tone for the match by scoring a penalty, followed by Igor Jesus’ penalty that sealed the win, thereby breaking a ten-match winless streak across all competitions.

“I feel like I can finally breathe,” Gibbs-White shared with TNT Sports. “It’s been a tough few months with all the changes and struggles on the pitch. I’m just thrilled to secure our first win in what feels like eight or nine games.”

He extended his appreciation to the fans, saying, “Achieving this at City Ground on a European night is an amazing feeling, and the supporters deserve this victory for their loyalty.”

Dyche Aims for Improvement

Gibbs-White acknowledged Dyche’s impact in revitalizing the team’s spirit, noting a shift towards a more energetic and positive atmosphere—a sentiment the new manager echoed.

However, Dyche cautioned that this victory is only the beginning, as the team currently sits 18th in the Premier League, having amassed only five points from their first eight matches.

“It’s encouraging for everyone connected to the football club, but it’s just a step forward,” Dyche commented. “We have to perform well in the Premier League as well. Our goal is to cultivate a competitive squad across all competitions.”

He emphasized the significance of being back in Europe’s prestigious tournaments after many years, acknowledging the club’s rich history.

Looking Ahead

Next, Forest will face a strong Bournemouth side on Sunday, seeking to capitalize on the renewed energy within the squad and among the fans.

When asked about the fans’ enthusiastic chants of “Forest are back,” Dyche remained modest, stating, “From the sidelines, you don’t always catch specific words. You can feel the atmosphere, and it’s crucial to distinguish if it’s positive or negative. My focus is solely on delivering results for the club.”