Anthony Elanga reveals the trait that sets Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo apart, it’s ‘second to none’

Add as preferred source on Google

Anthony Elanga is having a wonderful season at Nottingham Forest.

Having found the back of the net six times, the winger has already scored more Premier League goals this term than in any of his previous four.

The Swede has been particularly electric in recent weeks, Elanga’s goal against Manchester United summarising where his game is right now.

He has since credited both his and Forest’s wider form with Nuno Espirito Santo, explaining the 51-year-old’s best managerial trait.

Anthony Elanga reveals Nuno Espirito Santo’s man management is ‘second to none’

Speaking to BBC Sport before Nottingham Forest’s game against Everton at the City Ground on Saturday, Elanga was rightfully full of praise for his manager.

Asked for the reason behind Forest’s excellent campaign, Elanga responded: “The manager is fantastic. His man management is second to none.

“The fact that he can speak so many languages already helps the team in itself.”

Elanga added: “[Espirito Santo] believes in us, and we believe in him. When you have those two working together, you become unstoppable.”

The 22-year-old finished: “When you have those two working together, you become unstoppable and you always want to fight for him, you want to fight for this team.”

Nuno Espirito Santo’s record at Nottingham Forest

Espirito Santo was appointed Nottingham Forest manager in December 2023 with the club in the midst of a relegation battle.

Despite Forest incurring a points deduction for a PSR breach, Espirito Santo safely kept them above the drop zone last season.

This year, the Reds have defied all expectations by fighting for a Champions League spot.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	31	22	7	2	72	30	42	73
2	ArsenalArsenal	31	17	11	3	56	26	30	62
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	31	17	6	8	51	37	14	57
4	ChelseaChelsea	31	15	8	8	54	37	17	53
5	NewcastleNewcastle	30	16	5	9	52	39	13	53
6	Man CityManchester City	31	15	7	9	57	40	17	52
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	31	14	9	8	46	46	0	51

Elanga puts this down to Espirito Santo having a full preseason with his side, saying in the same interview with BBC Sport: “For [Nuno] to have a proper preseason with all the players, even the new players, coming in early on, getting to know him and him laying down the foundations on the way he wants to play this season, I think that really helped the team and it’s been showing the way we are on the pitch.”

With an FA Cup semi-final still to look forward to as well, it could be a really special end to the season for Forest fans and players alike.