Nottingham Forest’s right back Neco Williams has revealed how Nuno Espirito Santo has impressed him behind the scenes.
Forest head to fellow strugglers Luton Town this weekend, lying only three points outside the drop zone.
However, Neco Williams has given supporters a glimpse into what Nuno Espirito Santo is truly like off the field.
Williams praised Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Portuguese manager has had a difficult return to the Premier League as his Forest side battles for survival.
The 50-year-old has expressed his dissatisfaction with the officials in recent weeks, as rulings continue to go against him.
Four consecutive Premier League defeats will be difficult for anyone to accept, but it appears he is still impressing players behind the scenes.
Williams told the club’s website ahead of Saturday’s game: “Since he’s come in, he’s created a new style for us, which all of the players are on board with and really enjoying.”
“He’s really enthusiastic about the players and the supporters. Fans may not notice because it occurs within our daily lives, but they may be unaware of how passionate he is.
“I’m really loving working with him right now; we have a tight bond, and I’m always seeking for ways to improve, so if I need help, I know his door is always open.
“When he first came in, I went to see him and asked him what I could improve on, and he immediately told me, which is what I’ve been working on every day since.
“At the minute we are doing everything we can to get these points for him.”
Forest has a huge opportunity.
Every game must be viewed as a must-win for a team battling the drop at this point in the season.
However, this weekend’s encounter at Kenilworth Road must be one in which Forest sees a major opportunity to pick up three points.
Rob Edwards’ team has showed many strengths this season, but they have also exhibited many flaws.
Their defeat to Bournemouth this week summed up their season so far.
However, three points for the hosts on Saturday might push Forest into the bottom three.
It is a perfect example of what commentators refer to as a’six-pointer’. A win for Forest would put them six points clear of Luton and the relegation zone.
That may be easier said than done, given Forest’s Premier League record of just one win since December.
However, based on Williams’ words, Espirito Santo appears to be doing the right things behind the scenes to keep his players on board as the season nears its conclusion.