Nottingham Forest will be banking on a change in fortunes as Sean Dyche takes charge for the first time when the club hosts FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Dyche becomes Forest’s third manager of a turbulent season, stepping in just days after the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, who lasted only 40 days at the City Ground despite leading Tottenham to Europa League glory last year. The new boss faces immediate pressure, with Forest collecting just one point from their opening two matches in the competition and struggling in the Premier League relegation zone.
For Dyche, this debut marks a personal milestone his first official European fixture since beginning his managerial career 14 years ago. While his Burnley side featured in the Europa League qualifiers in 2018/19, they were eliminated by Olympiacos before reaching the group stage.
Known for his pragmatic, disciplined approach, Dyche has pledged to bring structure and balance to a side that has been leaking goals.
“There’s real talent here. Our job now is to find that balance the risk and reward going forward, but also that solid base which was a big weapon for the club last season,” he told the club’s website.
Forest’s defence has been particularly problematic, conceding five goals in their two Europa League games so far. Dyche has already stressed the importance of returning to fundamentals:
“The basics must be right strong, fit, and organised is always a good place to start,” he said.
Their opponents, Portuguese giants Porto, come into the match top of their Europa League group after two straight wins, though they’ve scored only three goals in the process. This could offer Forest a chance to adapt under Dyche against a side that, while clinical, isn’t known for free-flowing attacking football.
Victory on Thursday would be Forest’s first European win since 1995 and could go a long way in restoring belief among fans and easing tension with owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has already dismissed two managers this season.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Rangers begin a new chapter under Danny Röhl, the 36-year-old German coach replacing Russell Martin after a poor start to their campaign. Röhl’s side travels to Norway to face Brann, still searching for their first points after narrow losses to Genk and Sturm Graz.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will look to maintain their perfect record as they visit Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, while Fenerbahçe host Stuttgart, Nice travel to Celta Vigo, and Celtic take on Sturm Graz at home.
