Vítor Pereira, the Nottingham Forest manager, was left a visibly frustrated figure after his side failed to overpower Aston Villa in the Europa Leagu...
Vítor Pereira, the Nottingham Forest manager, was left a visibly frustrated figure after his side failed to overpower Aston Villa in the Europa League semi final, a match that exposed the sharp bite of an injury ravaged squad. Speaking exclusively to GoalZaza from the pitch side, the Portuguese tactician did not mince words when reflecting on the encounter, which saw his men give a good account of themselves but ultimately run out of steam against a Villa side that was more clinical in the decisive moments.. �It is difficult to compete at this level when you are missing so many key personnel,. � Pereira said, his voice heavy with the weight of a campaign that promised so much.. �We have players in the treatment room who would have made the lion. �s share of difference in the scheme of things. It is not an excuse, it is the reality we face. At the end of the day, the powers that be in the medical department have worked tirelessly, but you cannot replace quality with just heart.. � Forest. �s Nigerian international striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, who was introduced late in the second half, could not replicate the form that has made him a Super Eagles talisman, as he was clearly still shaking off rust from a recent knock. The absence of other frontline options meant Pereira had to deploy a makeshift attack that lacked the usual cutting edge. Villa, for their part, were resilient and took full advantage of Forest. �s depleted resources, securing a hard fought victory that sends them to the final. Pereira added,. �I am proud of the boys who stepped up. They wore the jersey with pride and fought until the final whistle. But in football, you need your full arsenal. Today, our armoury was light. We must now look at the transfer window and ensure we have the depth to avoid such a predicament in future campaigns.. � In the viewing centres across Lagos and Abuja, the atmosphere was one of quiet resignation mixed with simmering anger. Fans clad in Forest kits who had gathered to watch the Nigerian international Awoniyi in action were left shaking their heads as missed chances piled up. At a packed centre in Ikeja, one supporter shouted at the screen,. �If only Boniface was in that jersey today, we would have seen different results!. � while another lamented,. �Pereira. �s hands are tied. The injury list is as long as the Third Mainland Bridge. We are just unlucky this season.. � The disappointment was palpable, but so was the unwavering support for the team, with many already plotting how Forest could strengthen their squad before the next big test.
