Douglas Luiz fires two-word warning to Real Betis as Nott’m Forest prepare for Europa League showdown
Douglas Luiz has sent out a fighting message ahead of Nottingham Forest’s return to European competition.
Nottingham Forest will compete in Europe for the first time since 1996 after Nuno Espirito Santo led the club to a seventh placed Premier League finish last season.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked and Ange Postecoglou is the new Nottingham Forest manager to lead them into their first game against Real Betis.
Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw at Burnley was the first positive result for Postecoglou at the club following a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal and a shock Carabao Cup exit to Swansea.
Douglas Luiz sends message before Nottingham Forest’ Europa League clash
Taking to his Instagram story, 23 September, midfielder Luiz posted a picture of him and his team mates preparing for the clash at Real Betis.
Luiz captioned the post: “We’re ready,” with a fire emoji.
The Brazilian has started the past two matches under Postecoglou after joining on loan from Juventus in the summer transfer window.
| Douglas Luiz | Stats |
| Appearances | 318 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Assists | 24 |
Ange Postecoglou prepares to defend Europa League title
Postecoglou won the Europa League as Spurs manager back in May, and the Australian will be keen to do the same with Nottingham Forest.
The Tricky Trees will be expected to go deep into the competition, with fellow Premier League side Aston Villa one of the tournament favourites.
Experienced players like Luiz and Zinchenko who have played in European competition previously will be key to how Nottingham Forest fare.
Real Betis is one of the toughest matches the club could have had on matchday one, so their destiny will not be decided here with easier tests to come.