Swedish international with Cameroonian roots, Anthony Elanga, has shed light on the driving force behind Nottingham Forest’s impressive performances in the English Premier League this season.
Elanga credited the team’s transformation to the early signings and a full pre-season under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, which allowed the players to fully embrace his tactical philosophy and build cohesion.
Speaking after Forest’s thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa, Elanga highlighted the importance of preparation:
“100 percent, we have the squad to finish in a European place. The difference this season is the fact that we made the signings early on and we all had a pre-season.
“Nuno got to have a proper pre-season, because that’s made a huge difference. He got his ideas in early, and we have bought into them. That has shown from the attitude of the players today,” Elanga said.
Elanga also reflected on the challenges the team faced last season and how they’ve been overcome this campaign:
“Last season, we were playing good football, but we weren’t effective and clinical in front of goal. Decisions were going against us, and points deductions made it a crazy season.
“From pre-season, we said to each other: ‘We can do something this season.’”
While Forest has enjoyed a strong start to the season, Elanga emphasised the importance of taking things step by step.
“We have to take it game by game. I want the fans to enjoy the season. It has been amazing so far, and we want it to be even more amazing going forward, for them to enjoy the journey,” he stressed.
Under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the season, combining tactical discipline with attacking flair.
The team is currently 4th in the English Premier League table.
