Nottingham Forest are banking on a fresh start under new manager Sean Dyche as they prepare to host Porto in Thursday’s Europa League clash hoping the third managerial change of the season finally brings stability and results.
Dyche, appointed on Tuesday following the abrupt dismissal of Ange Postecoglou, inherits a team that has yet to register a win in the competition, having managed just a single point from their opening two games. The pressure is already mounting, with owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly demanding nothing short of victory to revive Forest’s European hopes.
For Dyche, 54, the fixture marks a significant moment in his career his first official match in a major European tournament since beginning his managerial journey at Watford 14 years ago. His only previous brush with continental football came in 2018/19, when his Burnley side fell short in the Europa League play-offs against Olympiacos.
Known for his no-nonsense, results-driven approach, Dyche now faces the challenge of steadying a Forest side still searching for identity and confidence amid constant upheaval. Thursday’s game could mark not just the start of a new chapter for the club, but also a chance for Dyche to reintroduce his trademark grit and discipline on a European stage.
