Nottingham Forest star produces ‘masterclass’ against Chelsea and Nuno must keep him next season

Add as preferred source on Google

Nottingham Forest lost to Chelsea 1-0 at the City Ground to bring the curtain down on 2024/25, wondering what might have been.

Aston Villa lost against Manchester United, and Everton managed to win at Newcastle, meaning a win for Forest would have seen them grab a place in next season’s Champions League.

Even a point would have helped Forest today. Drawing the game would have consigned Villa to the Conference League and nudged Forest into the Europa League next season instead.

It wasn’t to be, though, and Forest have to settle for a place in the Conference League, with qualifying set to begin at the end of August, shortly after the season has got underway.

For some players, the season ending is badly needed, but for one other player, the campaign has come to a close at the exact time that he’s managed to find some seriously good form.

• READ MORE: Forest fans in agreement on Morgan Gibbs-White after Chelsea game

Ibrahim Sangare shows he has Forest future in defeat to Chelsea

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Sangare since he signed for Forest, but against Chelsea, he showcased exactly why he must be kept at the City Ground at all costs beyond the summer.

The Ivorian was in ridiculously good form during the contest, and it wasn’t until the player was withdrawn to make way for Callum Hudson-Odoi that the visitors really managed to control the game.

Sangare has showcased since getting a start in the team against Crystal Palace earlier this month that with a run of games, he’s extremely capable at this level and brings a lot to the table.

Henry Winter was impressed and said on X: “Ibrahim Sangare #NFFC delivering a midfield masterclass so far in shielding the defence, nicking the ball, and then simply, effective distribution. Occasionally inspired distribution, just now perfectly down the line to Aina.”

Ibrahim Sangare stats vs Chelsea

For Sangare, the season is definitely ending at the wrong time, and hopefully, he can pick up where he left off when the season gets underway in August.

It’s been a great few weeks for the combative midfielder, and he’s showcased on more than one occasion that he brings more to the table than merely breaking up attacks from a deep-lying position.

Sangare has to be kept at the club next season, given the fact that he’s played in European competition and with another good pre-season, it could be like a new signing for Forest.

The midfielder was brilliant in the midfield three for Forest today and the challenge for him is to come back sharp and prove that he can become a mainstay over a prolonged period for the Reds.