Nuno Aiming to Build on Cooper’s Legacy at Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo insisted yesterday that he is facing a “huge challenge” at Nottingham Forest and wants to build on Steve Cooper’s legacy at the City Ground.

Forest have appointed Nuno on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Cooper was sacked on Tuesday after two years and three months, with Forest having lost five of their past six league games to sit 17th in the table.

“We have a good group of players, a squad that needs to become better,” said ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the Portuguese head coach added: “What Steve (Cooper) did here is amazing.

“Putting Forest back in the Premier League, keeping Forest in the Premier League. That shows how good Forest fans are, the respect they show for Steve. That says a lot about our fans.

“We are trying to improve his legacy.”

Nuno’s first match in charge will be Saturday’s home Premier League game against Bournemouth (15:00 GMT kick-off).

“What we can bring is to try and improve the players,” said the new Forest boss. “Help players become better, give them the solution that they need to compete well – starting on Saturday.

“Play good and win – that’s the biggest challenge we have ahead of us. It’s a huge challenge.”