Nottingham Forest: Yates reveals Europa League belief as Dyche hails ‘good signs’
Forest will have to contest a playoff round tie despite the win.
Nottingham Forest believe they can go all the way in the Europa League, captain Ryan Yates said after Sean Dyche’s men rounded off their league phase campaign with a 4-0 rout of Ferencvaros.
A Bence Otvos own goal, an Igor Jesus double and a James McAtee penalty gave Forest a comfortable win at the City Ground, though it was not enough to seal a place in the top eight and automatic progression to the last 16.
It was a performance in stark contrast to Forest’s 1-0 defeat to Braga last week and came on the heels of a key 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford.
Forest will face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos in the playoff round.
Despite having two extra games added to their potential route to the final, there is confidence in the Forest camp that they can get to the Istanbul showpiece.
Asked about their display, Yates told TNT Sports: “Exactly what was needed.
“We started well on the front foot, this man [Igor Jesus], clinical as ever. It is a good night. A few changes and we just needed that confidence throughout the group.
“We think we can go all the way.”
Forest face Crystal Palace on Sunday in another huge Premier League game against a side that could soon be sucked into the relegation zone.
“Quick turnaround in games and we have to recover well,” Yates said. “We put on a good display today.
“We have not backed it up, so we need to do that [in the next game].”
Manager Sean Dyche praised his players, with the former Burnley and Everton boss clearly encouraged following a game in which Forest could have won by a greater margin.
“It has not been easy through various games, the schedule, planning, travelling and all that sort of stuff,” said Dyche to TNT Sports. “To come out of a disappointing one in Braga and then to deliver that I am very pleased.
“In all these games, particularly the Premier League, if your framework is not good you can get opened up, but it is equally coming off that to play with freedom. They’re has been good signs recently and good signs tonight.”