Europa League Awaits as Sean Dyche Gears Up for First Nottingham Forest Test Against Porto
Victory would not only be Forest’s initial European win since 1995 but would also provide Dyche with the ideal start to his reign a victory that could help him win over the fans as well as Marinakis.
The style of Dyche is not dissimilar to that of Nuno Espirito Santo, his predecessor who began the 2024/25 season in charge before leaving. Photo/oli SCARFF/AFP
By Ruth Sang
Nottingham Forest are seeking a change in fortune when Sean Dyche prepares to lead them for the first time as they face FC Porto on Thursday’s Europa League match. The two-time European title-winners are seeking their first victory of the season following the acquisition of only a point from their initial two group encounters.
Dyche’s arrival on Tuesday is the latest managerial shake-up in a chaotic season for Forest. The 54-year-old assumes the club for a third time as manager this season, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who lasted only 40 days in charge after winning the Europa League as boss of Tottenham and serving in the role currently. For explosive owner Evangelos Marinakis, success on Thursday is crucial if Dyche is to impress on his first day.
The game will be a significant personal experience for Dyche too. Throughout his 14 years as a senior manager, beginning at Watford, this will be the first occasion that he has managed a team in the big theater of European competition. Although his Burnley team took part in the 2018/19 Europa League qualifiers, they came short against Olympiacos, losing out on the group stage.
Renowned for his no-frills and structured football, Dyche has set a record for producing results even when performances are not so glamorous. Speaking in an interview with the club website, he emphasized the requirement of finding the right balance in his new role: “There’s some real quality in this squad. Our challenge now is finding the balance — taking attacking risks while ensuring a good defensive base. That balance is vital.”
The style of Dyche is not dissimilar to that of Nuno Espirito Santo, his predecessor who began the 2024/25 season in charge before leaving amid differences with the club hierarchy. Initially criticized, Nuno had won over the fans after a dramatic Premier League campaign that had seen Forest end up in the European spots. But after Nuno departed and Postecoglou’s brief, catastrophic stay, Forest now sit in the relegation spots on five points from their first eight league fixtures — a dismal return considering the £180m invested in summer signings.
In Europe as well, Forest’s campaign has been on shaky grounds. They drew 2-2 with Real Betis and lost 3-2 to Midtjylland at home, finding themselves in the relegation zone of the group standings. Having conceded five goals from only two games, Dyche’s immediate priority in the short term will be to sort out the defensive frailties. “The basics have to be first — to be strong, fit, and well-organized. That’s the platform for all else,” he said.
Their opponents Porto come into the game as Portuguese league leaders and are atop their Europa League table after registering two consecutive wins. With a good record, Porto have however only managed three goals in the two games and given Forest a potential opportunity to rebuild under new management.
A Thursday victory would not only be Forest’s initial European win since 1995 but would also provide Dyche with the ideal start to his reign — a victory that could help him win over the fans as well as Marinakis.
Elsewhere in the competition, Rangers start afresh under 36-year-old German manager Danny Rohl, who took over from Russell Martin following a disastrous start. The Scottish club face Brann in Norway in search of their first points. Aston Villa meanwhile travel to Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles looking to continue their flawless Europa League campaign, while Fenerbahce host Stuttgart, Nice go to Celta Vigo, and Celtic take on Sturm Graz in what will be an thrilling matchday.
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