Nuno Espirito Santo hinted that his side need to improve defensively as Nottingham Forest face Ipswich at the City Ground on Saturday.
Last weekend's 3-0 loss at Arsenal ensured a second consecutive game in which Forest conceded three goals, having slipped down to seventh in the Premier League.
It most notably confirmed successive defeats for the Reds’, who are now looking to bounce back against a reinvigorated Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys added to their shock win at Tottenham before the international break with an impressive 1-1 draw against Man United last Sunday.
While the recent form contrasts, the head to head record impresses as the Reds’ have remained unbeaten against Ipswich at the City Ground this century, totalling a span of 14 home matches.
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game, Espirito Santo answered all questions Nottingham Forest.
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Stopping the rot
Having suffered defeat just once in their opening 10 matches, Saturday's fixture could spell a third-straight loss in succession if Forest fail to take anything from the game.
Equally as damming as the form is the Reds' defensive record, having conceded six times in their last two matches, compared to just seven across the remainder of their games played so far.
Asked whether he was concerned about the recent form, Espirito Santo remained honest in his assessment of previous results.
“Of course we are concerned. We are concerned when we don’t play good and we don’t perform well," he said.
“But we are always concerned when we win because there are always issues to address and to improve. The only solution that we have is to work on that and this is what we have been doing.
“First we have to give credit to the opponents because they did very well and it’s very difficult to stop them. But there are aspects that we have to look at on the defensive side of the team”
The Forest boss was also keen to highlight the importance of defensive improvement as a springboard for his side to win games.
“When you have this record in two games, the first reaction we must have as a club is to say we cannot be this kind of team.
"We cannot be a team that concedes too many goals because that gets us far away from winning games and getting good performances.
“It changes the whole dynamic of the game when you score first or you concede first. We’ve been aware of that and the players realise that the first objective is a clean sheet, simple as that."
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Elanga out, Jota in?
A topic of last weekend's game was the injury to Anthony Elanga, who sustained a first-half knock before being substituted at the break.
The 22-year-old winger has seen his impact limited this term, having been yet to get off the mark, in comparison to his impressive 14 goal contributions last season.
Questioned on the reasons behind Elanga's lack of form and whether it is a confidence issue, Espirito Santo had plenty of belief in his wide man and was quick to dismiss it being a crisis topic.
“I wouldn’t say a crisis but you have to realise that offensive players, especially ones who rely so much on their individual abilities to unbalance the other team need confidence.
“He’s searching for that moment and what’s important is the belief that things are going to come. The way he works, the way he looks for things and tries things.
“It’s just up to us to give him the confidence and to trust the he’s going to perform in the same way he did before and even better.”
Elanga's replacement that day was Jota Silva, who caught the eyes of plenty in his second-half display at the Emirates.
The Forest boss expressed the delight with his performances, but remained tight-lipped on whether that equals a first league start.
“He’s as close as all the players in the squad, with the exception of the injured players. It’s always a discussion, a moment that we decide things.
“I think he’s doing well giving an impact, helping the team and he’s been patient enough to realise that when the chance comes he has to take it.”
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Controlling Ipswich
As mentioned previously, Forest's baron spell has coincided with Ipswich's best run of the season, having taken five points from their last nine - capped by results against Tottenham and Man United.
Kieran McKenna's men have taken plenty of acclaim for their positive, aggressive style, further boosted by an incentive of moving above the dotted line if results go in their favour.
In contrast, Forest play a more pragmatic game which becomes better suited given Ipswich's likelihood to push forward and leave gaps.
Control was the buzzword as Espirito Santo spoke on the challenges of this weekend's fixture, citing plenty of praise for his opponents.
“They are a good team and compete very well. The energy, the intensity of their actions. It’s going to be very tough.
“It’s always going to be a big game. I believe that every team, coach and player will go for the game with only one thing in their mind - to win.
“I believe Ipswich will come here and try. We are on the same page, we’re going to do everything to get a good performance and a good result."
