Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels has talked up Sean Dyche’s impact on the squad during his time at the City Ground.
Wednesday’s edition of Gazet van Antwerpen has an interview with the 34-year-old, going over a few topics.
The Belgium international joined the Reds from RC Strasbourg in January 2024. Nuno Espírito Santo was then in charge and Sels featured regularly under the manager.
Nottingham Forest parted ways with Nuno in September and appointed Ange Postecoglou, who was in charge for eight weeks. Sean Dyche took over from the former Celtic boss and left the club in February.
The stopper has played 28 matches in all competitions this season, and 16 of those came under Dyche. This was possible after the Reds blocked Sels’ exit last summer.
Dyche’s impact on Nottingham Forest players
The newspaper were curious to know from the Nottingham Forest player what Dyche was like.
When responding to that, he explained the manager focused on players’ bonding, both on and off the pitch. The manager wanted to create a strong team atmosphere, and used traditional methods to try and build that.
“He thought it was important that we formed a close-knit group, with players who also connected off the pitch. He gave us two days off for our Christmas party. That’s how we were able to go to Copenhagen. Just boys together, you know the drill,” Sels said.
“Although those days of wild parties are long gone, social media has changed a lot in that respect. I’ve experienced both eras, for example, and the difference is enormous. Although I’ve never been the type to get carried away.”
After Christmas, Nottingham Forest lost three league games in a row against Manchester City, Everton and Aston Villa before securing a win over West Ham United.
Not all fans backed the Christmas Party, especially as images inevitably came out and didn’t match well with the club’s standing.
PL side should have retained Dyche
Dyche managed 25 matches and Nottingham Forest won 10 and drew five of those. This included one defeat in his last five matches.
Since parting ways with him, Nottingham Forest brought in Vítor Pereira and he’s managed five matches so far.
The club secured a 3-0 win over Fenerbahçe in the Europa League in Pereira’s first match. Since then, Nottingham Forest haven’t had a win and are now 17th in the table, level on points with 18th placed West Ham.
Their decision to show Dyche the exit door hasn’t worked out well so far. At least Sels and his teammates will have memories of that party in Copenhagen.
