As Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santos this week gave ESPN Brasil an exclusive interview, there were some very interesting quotes about the squad.
The boss talked a lot about Murillo and Danilo, two Brazilians who arrived at the City Ground last year.
Murillo has made 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest this season, being a regular starter since October. Nuno Espírito Santo, however, still thinks there’s a lot for the 21-year-old to improve, especially because of the many risks he takes when he has the ball at his feet.
“Murillo has a lot of quality. He’s a very quick defender, he’s well built, but I don’t just look at the good things. It’s better not to change what’s already good, just try to improve it. Now, there are aspects of his game that he has to improve. We mustn’t forget that a defender’s fundamental job is to defend (laughs),” Nuno Espírito Santo told ESPN Brasil.
“It’s not that he gets carried away, it’s his own characteristics, he feels comfortable sometimes making certain decisions that I think should be made in another part of the pitch… in defensive terms, we have to be more practical (laughs).”
Speaking of Danilo, the Nottingham Forest boss sent many compliments towards the midfielder, but also highlighted some features he needs to improve.
“That’s very important. When a player arrives in a league as difficult as the Premier League, where you compete against a very high level, you need time. Danilo needs time, he has a lot of growing to do, he has very good qualities.
“He’s a midfielder with a lot of ability to cover the pitch, with stamina, to play out wide, he’s got a goal, as he’s shown, he’s got a good arrival in the area. Now there are aspects that he needs to improve a lot, such as his decision making, the accuracy of his passes, these are aspects that he needs to improve. He has a lot of potential, we want to make him grow so that he can be the player we all hope for, a top player.”
Since arriving at Nottingham Forest in December, Nuno Espírito Santo has three wins, three draws and three defeats in nine games, and hasn’t won a league game since beating Manchester United right before the new year.
Following last weekend’s draw against Bournemouth, the Tricky Trees stand 16th in the Premier League. They now prepare to face Bristol City in the FA Cup tonight.
