Nuno Urges Nottingham Forest to Regroup After Late Everton Defeat Threatens Champions League Dreams Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has called on his team to regroup and “bounce back” after a dramatic late defeat to Everton dealt a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over four decades. Forest, who have enjoyed a stunning campaign, remain third in the Premier League with six matches left. However, Sunday’s 94th-minute winner by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré handed Forest their second consecutive defeat and raised concerns about their ability to maintain their top-four position during the season's critical run-in. Speaking after the match at the City Ground, Nuno did not hold back in his assessment. > “The performance was not good,” he told *Match of the Day*. “We conceded from our own offensive corner in the final minute, which is very disappointing. Throughout the match, we were uncomfortable, and it showed—our fans could see that we were struggling.” > “We’re entering the most decisive part of the season, and we cannot afford to be anything less than focused. We have to take responsibility and give it everything.” A Season of Surprises Now Under Threat This season has marked a remarkable turnaround for Forest, who only narrowly avoided relegation last year. Few expected them to be involved in the Champions League conversation, especially while also reaching the FA Cup semi-finals. However, back-to-back defeats at this late stage have cast doubt over whether they can complete the fairytale and secure a historic top-four finish. Forest’s next six fixtures include high-stakes clashes against Manchester City, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea—challenges that could define the outcome of their season. Saturday’s defeat was only their third loss at home this season, and Doucouré’s last-gasp goal also ended Forest’s impressive run of 449 minutes without conceding at the City Ground. Calls to Reset and Rally Former England defender Stephen Warnock sympathized with Forest’s plight and urged the squad to regroup. > “It would be heartbreaking for Forest to miss out on Champions League football at this stage given all they’ve achieved,” Warnock said on *Final Score*. “They need to treat this as a bad day at the office, go again, and refocus. They've overcome adversity before—this is no different.” Everton manager David Moyes also praised Forest’s performance this season despite the result. > “If you had offered Forest European football at the start of the season, they’d have taken it immediately,” Moyes said. “It’s been an incredible journey. Now we wait to see whether they can get over the line for the Champions League.” Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi echoed the need to keep perspective and move forward. > “It’s in our hands,” he told *Sky Sports*. “We need to make sure we hold onto our position. Football can be cruel, and this is one of those moments. But we have to stay positive and move on.” With everything still to play for, Forest’s response over the next few weeks will be crucial. The dream of Champions League football is still alive—but the pressure has never been higher.