Nottingham Forest slipped to a 4‑1 defeat against Sporting CP in a pre‑season friendly played in Portugal, but the result was never the primary focus for head coach Oliver Glasner. The match formed part of a series of three remaining friendlies and a three‑week window before the club’s Premier League opener against Leeds United.
During the game Forest had already shown promise earlier in the month, having edged Portimonense 2‑1 in the Algarve before the loss to Sporting CP. Igor Jesus opened the scoring after just 1 minute and 38 seconds and has now found the net in each of Forest’s first four pre‑season outings, highlighting his sharp early‑season form.
Tactical experimentation and role competition
Glasner has persisted with a 3‑4‑2‑1 system that deploys two attacking midfielders, often referred to as No 10s. Morgan Gibbs‑White, who was Forest’s most influential player last season, is expected to occupy one of those positions, while James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson are locked in a battle for the other slot.
McAtee, who arrived for a £30 million fee, has been used in a deeper‑lying central midfield role during pre‑season, including the match against Sporting CP and the earlier game versus Notts County. The Englishman has also added muscle to his frame in an effort to increase his physical presence on the pitch.
The wing‑back roles were shuffled during the Sporting CP encounter. Neco Williams, operating from the right side, delivered several high‑quality crosses, whereas Ola Aina struggled on the left, committing a foul in a dangerous area after using his wrong foot.
Glasner voiced concerns about the squad’s aerial dimensions, noting that a lack of height could hinder set‑piece effectiveness. The coach also highlighted the need to improve defensive organization when facing teams that exploit set‑pieces.
Off the pitch, Forest are in advanced negotiations to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande for approximately £35 million. The Ivory Coast international stands at 6 ft 3 in, combines pace with comfortable ball control and offers a strong aerial presence — attributes that would address the very concerns Glasner expressed.
Sporting CP’s first goal came from a corner in the 14th minute, with Goncalo Inacio rising to head the ball past Forest goalkeeper Chris Wood. Meanwhile, Murillo was absent due to injury, continuing his recovery programme as he aims to be ready for the upcoming season.
The pre‑season schedule will culminate with the Premier League opener against Leeds United, a fixture that will test whether the tactical experiments and fitness gains forged in Portugal translate into competitive readiness.