As the January transfer window nears its end, Nottingham Forest has a very clear plan.
Aside from re-signing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a short-term contract, the Reds have yet to introduce any new players to the City Ground this month. However, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is completely unconcerned about the situation and has stated that only “special” players will be regarded as prospective targets.
Forest went into the winter window knowing Nuno’s squad needed little tinkering, with up front being the only evident area in need of improvement. They are aware of the dangers of disturbing a close-knit dressing room by doing too much work, so each business will be carefully evaluated.
“We just finished the training session – this is what is more important,” Nuno remarked when questioned about prospective moves ahead of Monday’s 11 p.m. deadline. “The club members are working on what they need to concentrate on, while we are focusing on team preparation.
“Our approach was always consistent. It was basically that someone who came to help us had to be different and fit in with the squad – someone who offered a different choice or answer.
“That was our approach as a coaching staff, and now the club has to work. It is difficult to operate in this transfer window. But it’s always the same; someone has to be unique.”
The Reds host Brighton & Hove Albion Trentside on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off), hoping to rebound from last weekend’s 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth. It ended their nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, but they remain solidly positioned in the Premier League table.
Nuno’s squad is third and has a strong chance of qualifying for European football this season. However, the Portuguese have denied ideas that this transfer window may be used to plan for the possibility of a deeper squad in the future.
“Now is not the moment to think about that,” he told me. “It is too early to consider that. “We take it day by day.”
