Danilo celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest against Blackpool
Nottingham Forest didn’t make it easy for themselves but they saw off Blackpool 3-2 at Bloomfield Road to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Reds surrendered a two-goal lead given to them by debutant Andrew Omobamidele and Danilo in the replay with the Seasiders. Albie Morgan and Kyle Joseph pulled the hosts level, while Orel Mangala came to the rescue with a big block to ensure Forest survived into extra-time.
It was left to Chris Wood to pop up with a winner which sets up a trip to Bristol City for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Here is what the Reds head coach had to say after the final whistle.
On the game…
“This is the FA Cup. That’s why this competition is so special, it allows every team to play and to fight the way Blackpool did.
“We cannot take credit away from them. We had our problems but a lot of credit goes to Blackpool.
“This is the magic of the FA Cup. That’s why I love it, because it is one chance for everybody. It was tough, but we did the job.
“The game was very demanding with the way Blackpool played, with long balls and second balls. We could have done better.
“But the character of the team in this tie of the cup is special – the way we came back at the City Ground, which allowed us to come here. We started well here and I thought at the beginning of the second half the game was over but we cannot think that way.
“We made mistakes that allowed Blackpool to get back in the game. In extra-time we showed that we deserved the victory. The players who came in gave us a big hand and thank God Chris was there to put it in the net.”
On missing Morgan Gibbs-White…
“When I spoke in the last press conference, we didn’t have an issue. But he had a knock and now, unfortunately, he is going to be out for some time.
“The first diagnosis we have is a couple of weeks. It is an abdominal situation. He is being treated and has had an MRI. We miss him because he was in a very good moment for us.
“Everyone can see we were short of options, especially offensive options. We have a lot of players out, but the group is showing that with the help of everybody we will manage this tough period.”
On substitutions in the game…
“Murillo was more due to cramp. Andrew (Omobamidele) was the same, which is normal because this was his first game for the club. Callum (Hudson-Odoi) was struggling a little bit.
“It was very difficult to play, I think everyone has to realise that – for both teams. The pitch was icy and hard, the ball was bouncing and it requires a lot of effort in your actions.”
On Omobamidele’s debut…
“He did well. Maybe in some moments he could have taken better decisions, but he did well.
“All the players are important. We have two days to recover before we go again at Brentford, and we are very short on options. We have been unfortunate with injuries offensively, which has been hard, and we have players at AFCON.
“We have to use the Under-23s if necessary. We had four boys with us for this one. We have to survive, but the wins help a lot.”
On a potential FA Cup run…
“Every game is important. Now we have to prepare for Brentford, which is going to be a tough one – especially after the effort of the players today and the lack of numbers we have.
“But we are going to face every game the same. And the FA Cup – I’m not the only one to say it – it is very special. We have to go for it.
“It doesn’t matter what we did before, the FA Cup is one of the most beautiful competitions.”
On special messages…
“Just let me say a word to our fans for coming so far on such a cold night and supporting us in the way they did. And also to Cheikhou (Kouyate) with the tough moment he is living; our thoughts are with him. He has been through a tough moment, losing his father. We had the news before the game.
“It is a shock when it is someone you care about. The boys did well showing his shirt because he is a very important guy in the dressing room and on the pitch with his experience and his knowledge. Our thoughts are with him and he has to be strong now.
“Our thoughts are also with the fan who had the scary moment (in the stands). I got the info that he is going to be OK. There are a lot of things more important than football.”
What did you make of Forest’s win? Have your say in the comments below
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