Nottingham Forest have recently returned from Greece, where they met Olympiacos, the UEFA Conference League champions, in their final preseason test.
The Reds won 4-3 over the Greek club, which is also owned by Evangelos Marinakis, and the game served as a valuable learning experience.
This preseason has been significantly less turbulent than the previous two since Forest’s ascent to the Premier League.
In a refreshing change of strategy in the transfer market, only six players have been signed thus far, with quality taking precedence over number.
More players will be recruited before the transfer market ends, but Forest has avoided selling any of its key players this summer.
Julian Bennett played at Forest for five years and distinguished himself, garnering comparisons to Stuart Pearce for his tough-tackling style of play.
He is now on board as a coach with the City Ground program, and he has revealed some positive news since the pre-season campaign began.
Julian Bennett reveals what he truly admires about Nuno Espirito Santo.
Bennett seemed to have enjoyed pre-season at Forest, as his dedication to matches was never lost on fans.
During his time at Forest, he was a big fan favourite while the club competed in the third tier of English football.
Forest’s recruitment was mainly impressive at the time, and the summer months did not include a wave of new arrivals.
Bennett is glad to see Espirito Santo calm things down at the City Ground this summer, and he praises the head coach’s approach.
He told the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, “The manager is present, and he has time for everyone. A full pre-season with a management is extremely beneficial for a player.
“The team bonding, the management, the coaches, everyone – that brotherhood is crucial, and you carry it throughout the season.
“You’re starting to see more of an identity on the pitch in terms of the gaffer’s desired performances. I like pressing from the front and using our speed and width. I believe there will be more positivity on the team.”
Forest under pressure to get off to a fast start this season.
We agree with Bennett that Espirito Santo earned a complete pre-season after taking over a difficult position in December.
Last season’s football was a little dreary at times, but unlike Steve Cooper, Forest gave it their all in most games under Espirito Santo.
This season’s fixtures have put some strain on Forest right away.
With games against Bournemouth, Southampton, and Wolves to begin the season, Forest must get off to a solid start.
The Reds cannot afford to play catch-up this season, as the three promoted teams are expected to be better than the three a year ago.
Bennett’s perspective on Espirito Santo, having worked behind the scenes at the club, appears to be positive.
Now, Forest hopes to get off to a fast start and score as many points as possible in the first few weeks of the season.
