Retro Forest closing in on European return

LONDON – There is something satisfyingly retro about Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Champions League qualification – and not just because they are trying to recreate the glory days of the late 1970s.

In an age when possession and high pressing have become mantras for many English Premier League managers, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is bucking the trend spectacularly.

While some sides are easier on the eye, efficiency is his watchword. In their 28 league games, Forest average just 39.8 per cent possession – the lowest of the 20 clubs. They have made 9,355 passes, the lowest total in the top flight.

However, they have scored 45 goals, conceded just 33 and have 51 points. With 68.6 the average number of points required to finish fourth in the last five Premier League campaigns, Nuno’s men are within sight of a return to Europe’s top club competition for the first time in 45 years.

They face relegation-threatened Ipswich Town away on March 15, knowing victory would tighten their grip on third spot and sway a few more of the doubters who still believe Forest are going to stumble.

They will start as big favourites at Portman Road and with the same mentality that has served them so well.

“It doesn’t make sense to change our approach. We have been going game by game, day by day and training session by training session,” Nuno said on March 13.

“This is what we believe is the best way to approach every game until the end. But first, the big challenge is Ipswich.”

The Portuguese confirmed he has a fully fit squad to choose from aside from second-choice goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, adding: “It’s very good, it gives us options, solutions and having everyone available is just nice to see. There is nobody in the