Nottingham Forest’s unity under Nuno sparks historic rise in Premier League

Forest’s surge to European qualification under Nuno Espírito Santo reflects record growth, unmatched dressing room spirit, and elite-level coaching culture.

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea at City Ground on May 25, 2025, in Nottingham, England. Photo by Neal Simpson/Getty Images

By Adila Ghina and Yuni Utomo

The City Ground was nearly packed to capacity as Nottingham Forest supporters offered their appreciation for a historic season. Yet a quiet melancholy lingered in the stands following their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea—an outcome that, while disappointing, did little to dim the glow of what had been achieved. Forest, transformed under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, settling instead for a spot in the UEFA Conference League. But the path they walked this season defied expectations and deserves recognition as one of the club’s finest campaigns in decades.

Last season, Nottingham Forest scraped together just 32 points. This year, they more than doubled that, ending with 65—the most dramatic year-on-year improvement of any team in the Premier League era. What began as a mission to avoid relegation evolved into an ambitious charge toward Europe, a credit to the structural and cultural transformation led by Nuno since his arrival in December 2023.

Though Forest finished the season outside the Champions League spots, their journey—culminating in Conference League qualification—marks a renaissance. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis, visibly frustrated after the Chelsea loss, had hoped for more, as did the 27,000 supporters in attendance. But the broader picture remains triumphant.

“Today is tough,” Nuno admitted post-match. “We came up short. But in a few hours, we’ll look back and see the good. This has been a season of immense progress.”

Forest’s success has roots deeper than tactics or formations. At the heart of their evolution lies an unshakeable dressing room unity. While this togetherness began under former manager Steve Cooper, it has blossomed since Nuno took charge.

The players' bond extends beyond the pitch. They socialize over coffee, engage in competitive games of darts, table tennis, and Ludo, and frequent the upgraded lounge at the Nigel Doughty Academy. Ryan Yates, a midfield anchor and the team’s unofficial barista, leads the social spirit. It’s these small but deliberate touches—investment in atmosphere, player comfort, and mental wellness—that have fostered resilience and trust within the squad.

Friendly rivalries abound. Yates and striker Taiwo Awoniyi dominate the darts leaderboard, while Awoniyi also excels at table tennis. PlayStation games, particularly EA Sports FC, fuel further competition. Even board games like Ludo have become daily rituals, intensifying bonds between players like Anthony Elanga, Willy Boly, and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Senior players like Yates and Harry Toffolo take younger teammates under their wing, helping shape the next generation of Forest leaders. Zach Abbott, a 19-year-old defender, credits them for guidance on and off the field, especially during high-pressure moments such as his start against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Much of Forest’s identity this season comes from Nuno’s leadership. After years in elite football, the Portuguese coach has refined a style that blends high expectations with empathy. Training sessions are brief but intense, precisely designed to foster instinctive reactions and technical consistency.

Nuno’s character shines through in moments large and small. He carried Ola Aina in celebration after a vital FA Cup win and surprised players by diving off a high board during their Dubai training camp. His habit of playing a handpan instrument in the office reflects a more human side, balancing his demanding reputation with approachability.

Behind him is Rui Pedro Silva, a trusted assistant who returned to Nuno’s side after being absent during his Tottenham tenure. Together, they’ve created a team environment where players feel heard and valued—qualities that have helped lift performances and build belief.

Perhaps the most defining emotional point of Forest’s season came when striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered an abdominal injury during a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Leicester City on May 11. He had heroically collided with the goalpost in pursuit of a late winner—an act that required urgent surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the season.

The response from his teammates was immediate and heartfelt. They recorded a series of video messages, delivered together so Awoniyi could watch them in one sitting. Soon after, many visited him in person. His absence gave the squad a renewed purpose: win the remaining games for Taiwo.

This spirit encapsulated Forest’s season—a story of resilience, collective will, and playing for something greater than individual success.

Leadership at Forest isn’t centralized around one figure but shared among a group Nuno and Cooper before him referred to as the “leadership group.” Key figures include Gibbs-White, Boly, Matz Sels, and Nikola Milenkovic. While Gibbs-White is often the vocal leader on the pitch, other personalities like Ola Aina help keep spirits high with humor and music—he’s the dressing room DJ and social media prankster.

Several players, including Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Aina, and Awoniyi, are active in the Ballers in God faith group, guided by former Forest player John Bostock. Their shared beliefs add another layer of unity and support.

Nottingham Forest’s resurgence has also been supported by behind-the-scenes investments. The club revamped its facilities—refurbishing the lounge, expanding medical and kitchen staff, and improving nutrition. These structural changes reflect Marinakis’s vision to establish Forest not just as a Premier League mainstay but a European contender.

Players like Neco Williams, who struggled through Forest’s turbulent early years in the top flight, now speak of cohesion and consistency. “Even people who aren’t Forest fans can see the bond,” Williams said.

While disappointment lingered after missing the Champions League, Nottingham Forest under Nuno have achieved a transformation few predicted. They’ve redefined what the club can be: united, ambitious, and firmly on the rise.

For the first time in a generation, Forest fans can believe in more than survival. With a manager who demands excellence, a squad built on loyalty, and a culture that celebrates community, the 2024–25 season could just be the start of something greater.

As Yates told his teammates before their iconic win at Anfield, “We are a big club. But we are only a big club if we believe it.” Now, belief is no longer in short supply at the City Ground.

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