Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has embraced the enormity of his side’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, admitting it’s “impossible” to downplay the magnitude of the occasion.
Sunday’s clash at Wembley marks Forest’s first appearance in an FA Cup semi-final since 1991 – a milestone in what has already been a remarkable campaign.
With five matches left in the Premier League, Forest sit third and are firmly in contention for a Champions League berth under their head coach.
Awaiting the winner at Wembley will be either Crystal Palace or Aston Villa, but for now, Nuno is urging his players to maintain their focus and approach the clash with City like any other challenge.
“It’s the same, we have to look at the game as the same. The approach is exactly the same, you don’t have to shield them, it’s impossible to shield a squad when there’s so much information,” he said.
“We have to go as a group of players and staff to compete. That’s the best way to enjoy a semi final, to compete.”
"We have to compete. We have to go and play."
Nuno previews our @EmiratesFACup semi-final.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 25, 2025
Although captain Ryan Yates and defender Neco Williams will be suspended for the match, Nuno confirmed that both will still be part of the team’s trip to Wembley to keep the squad morale high.
“They can do whatever they can, all the squad is going to travel. There’s going to be a moment where we are all together. They have to give a hand outside of the pitch,” he added.
Opponents City have been far from unbeatable this season, leaving Forest with a serious chance of making the final.
They will believe they can do it as much as anyone, having put in a stellar campaign so far.
