Premier League: Arne Slot Highlights Nottingham Forest's Spending as Key to Success

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged Nottingham Forest’s remarkable rise to third place in the Premier League, but he emphasised that their financial muscle has been a major factor in their improvement. Forest, led by Nuno Espírito Santo, could move within three points of league leaders Liverpool with a victory at the City Ground on Tuesday.

Slot praised Forest’s performances but stressed the importance of putting their achievements into context. Since gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2022, Forest have spent over £360 million on transfers, with a net spend of around £215 million. By comparison, Liverpool’s net spend over the same period is £144 million.

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Slot: Financial Perspective Needed

Reflecting on Forest’s progress, Slot said:

"What I maybe underestimated was their spending. They have spent more money than us in the last three years. When you invest so much, you attract good players, and with a manager like Nuno bringing out their best, success follows. It’s an unbelievable accomplishment to be in the top three, but with that level of spending, it’s not a complete surprise."

Slot also dismissed comparisons between Forest’s rise and his AZ Alkmaar side challenging Ajax for the Eredivisie title in 2019-20:

"AZ has always been a club that finishes third, fourth or fifth. Forest hasn’t been in those positions for the past decade. The situations are different."

Despite their spending, Slot insisted Forest are genuine title challengers. He also warned against dismissing Manchester City, who have regained form after a poor run:

"You can never rule City or Pep [Guardiola] out. They can win a lot of games in a row, and it all depends on the teams above them."

Nuno Espírito Santo: “Money Doesn’t Play Football”

In response, Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo downplayed the focus on spending, instead highlighting the human side of the game:

"Money doesn’t play football, people do. It’s not my issue; we don’t focus on price tags. I look at players as human beings and focus on how to make them better."

Nuno also brushed aside title race talk, stating his team’s progress is built on preparation and execution:

"At the start of the season, maybe it was a surprise. But that was a long time ago, and things have changed. We focus on how we prepare and play each game. At the end of the match, there will be no ‘ifs.’"

As Forest prepare to face Liverpool, the clash promises to test both teams in what could prove to be a pivotal moment in the title race.

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