Nottingham Forest have enjoyed an impressive season so far and are currently fifth in the table, level on points with third place Chelsea.
The Reds have conceded 10 goals from 11 Premier League games this season. They have the second-best defensive record in the league.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels has been one of the key reasons for their good defensive form. He’s kept four clean sheets and is behind Manchester United’s André Onana [five clean sheets] for most clean sheets this season.
The 32-year-old has been speaking to Sporza where he explained Nuno Espírito Santo’s principles and the league win over Liverpool in September as among the reasons for their impressive start.
They sealed a win over Arne Slot’s at Anfield, and it has been Liverpool’s only league loss of this season.
“How to explain the immense difference from last season? Our coach now got a full preparation to grind in his principles. A lot of individual quality has also been added. And certainly, the excellent start – with a win over Liverpool – gave everyone confidence,” he said.
At the weekend, Nottingham Forest suffered a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United. Sels, who had a chat before this tie, doesn’t want Nottingham Forest to get carried away.
“It’s nice to be nicely on top after 10 [11] matchdays. But there are still 28 [27] matches to go. Our goal is to take 40 points as soon as possible so that we are sure of retention. After that, we’ll see how far we get,” Sels explained.
The Belgium international has also improved his own form for the club, after joining them from RC Strasbourg in January.
“Look, in my opinion it is logical that as a goalkeeper you get better and better as you get older. Provided that you remain top fit, of course,” he added.
“Because you learn to read situations more than with a field player. Some things you have already experienced hundreds of times. In addition, I have already played for the title, against relegation and for the national team. Through those different experiences you learn to deal with pressure.”