Joe Cole makes prediction that will excite Nottingham Forest fans after Real Betis draw
Nottingham Forest supporters should be excited for the season despite beginning their Europa League campaign with a draw at Real Betis.
Former Man United winger Antony netted a late equaliser as Ange Postecoglou’s side could not retain a 2-1 lead.
Igor Jesus scored twice against Real Betis in the first half as Elliot Anderson starred in midfield for Nottingham Forest.
It was a positive performance for Postecoglou although the former Spurs boss is still winless in his first four matches at the club.
Joe Cole believes Nottingham Forest could win Europa League
Alongside Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest are deemed as one of the strongest sides in the Europa League this season.
Speaking on TNT Sports, [24 September], Joe Cole is confident that Nottingham Forest will progress under Postecoglou and could challenge for the trophy.
“Towards the end they looked like a team that’s got a mental block. They’ve not got off the mark yet this season, they’ve conceded late goals and they got knocked out the League Cup,” Cole said.
“They looked like a team where that was playing on their mind, especially the last 20 minutes. I think Ange is going to be positive with them.
“Coming away from Europe with a point, well done. Get back on to the Premier League.
“I still fancy them in this tournament. Betis are one of the favourites for this tournament and they bested them for large parts of this game.
“I think in six months time they’ll be in a lot stronger place than Real Betis.”
Postecoglou was positive in his change at half-time, bringing forward Dilane Bakwa on for Douglas Luiz, who sustained an injury, though managing his squad will be important if Nottingham Forest are going to go deep into the competition.
Nottingham Forest take positives despite Ange Postecoglou risk not paying off
Having won the tournament last season with Spurs, Postecoglou has pedigree in the Europa League.
Postecoglou showed last season he could adapt in the competition when Spurs were tasked with tricky away trips to the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt.
| Matches Managed | 22 |
| Matches Won | 13 |
| Matches Drawn | 4 |
| Matches Lost | 5 |
His half-time substitution may have been different later in the tournament, but in the first match of the league phase and under pressure to get a first win in charge of the club, Postecoglou went with an attacking change.
The move did not pay off, but Nottingham Forest still earned a point away from home, which will be seen as a positive result.
Postecoglou must continue to build on this performance, with Jesus knocking on the door to start against Sunderland next.