Signing success, transfer goals, team spirit – things learned from the Nottingham Forest training camp

Nottingham Forest will continue their preparations for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign back on home soil next week.

The Reds have been in Spain for a warm-weather training camp and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo wants the group to spend a long time together. There was opportunity for connections to be made as well as hard work to be done.

Forest played three friendlies at the Pinatar Arena during their trip, facing Sunderland, Millwall and Spanish side Elche. Reds writer Sarah Clapson takes a look at some of the key takeaways from the Reds’ trip…

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Team unity

Even before the end of last term, Nuno highlighted the benefits a pre-season with his players would provide. He felt he missed that opportunity when he was appointed last December.

He believes it is a crucial period for building relationships, integrating new signings and creating a strong team spirit. Judging by the content Forest has been posting on social media over the past week or so, the trip has been a huge success.

From Morgan Gibbs-White hiding behind a hedge before surprising Omar Richards, training ground wins being celebrated with a few dance moves and Carlos Miguel pouncing on him during a recovery session in the pool, the Reds they have the appearance of a tight group. .

Everyone has been involved, whether they are likely to be part of Nuno’s future plans or not. And the impression is of a positive, happy camp, with no shortage of smiles and fun in the midst of serious things.

“We did double sessions – and in this heat,” Anthony Elanga told Sky Sports as the ride came to an end. “I think it’s really good to be able to train in this heat because when you go back to England. it won’t be as hot. It’s a challenge, but it will be worth it in the end.

“Being in an area like this brings us together more. We’re able to make more connections and I think that connection will help us on the field.”

Competition for places

The club still have some work to do in the transfer market to shore up Nuno’s options. However, it is clear that the Portuguese will have some selection headaches after the opening game against Bournemouth on August 17.

Nuno was keen to share the minutes at the start of the summer to ensure all players develop their fitness and sharpness. This also applies to those likely to move on before the window closes; after all, making sure they’re in the best possible shape makes them more attractive propositions to any potential suitors.

It’s still difficult to get an idea of ​​what the starting XI might look like against the Cherries, and even which line-up Nuno will go for. Signs are he wants to deploy a back-three to some extent once the season gets underway.

There is no doubt, however, that Forest have competition for places in several areas of the pitch. The battle for 1st place will be interesting and midfield is an area where the Reds look particularly well stocked.

Transfer successful

Judging new signings by just a few friendlies is unwise. The same goes for some positive team performances; to do so against lower league opposition when the pressure is on is one thing, to replicate it in the bear pit that is the Premier League is quite another.

However, the signs are that Forest have done very good business in the transfer market. The club seems to have bought well so far.

It could be well into 2025 before talk of Miguel’s height dies down. Elliot Anderson looked really positive. Eric da Silva Moreira has the ability to be a real breakthrough. And Nikola Milenkovic should help shore up the defense.

The friendlies showed that there is still work to be done to put the finishing touches on Nuno’s team. The top end of the pitch, in particular, seems bereft of options.

And with Nuno calling on players whose futures are in doubt, it shows the numbers still need to be whittled down somewhat. It is clear that there will be ins and outs in the coming weeks.

One big development to emerge from training camp concerns the future of star defender Murillo. In an interview with The Telegraph in Spain, the Brazilian indicated that he is happy to stay at the City Ground for another season. Music to the ears of Reds fans.

Opportunities taken

Pre-season can be a chance for players to catch the eye of a manager and give them something to think about. A number of Forest players certainly took advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Left-back Richards might have given Nuno something to think about. Scoring within minutes of his Garibaldi debut against Sunderland wasn’t a bad way to make his mark. Not a bad way to put a two-year injury nightmare to bed, either.

There has been talk that the defender could return to Olympiacos after his loan spell there last season. But could he have put himself in the frame to do a job for his parent club?

Youngster Zach Abbott made the most of his chance to impress. The defender didn’t look out of place at all. Whether he stays on Trentside and is in and around the first-team squad or goes out on loan next season, he looks set to have a bright future ahead of him.

And it could be a big year for Ibrahim Sangare too. The midfielder looks a completely different player to the one who struggled to make an impact last term. Much sharper. It bodes well for the upcoming season.

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