Sean Dyche has warned that it will take time for some of Nottingham Forest’s summer signings to adjust to the demands of top-flight English football.
The new Reds head coach is still evaluating his squad after his recent appointment and began with a win against Porto in the Europa League before focusing on climbing the Premier League table.
Forest currently find themselves in the relegation zone after eight matches, a disappointing start following significant investment in the squad with 13 new signings amounting to over £180 million during the transfer window.
When asked if this squad is the best he has managed, Dyche remained cautious ahead of their match against Bournemouth, stating: “People often assume that when you spend money, all the players are fantastic. But at this stage, I’m not sure. On initial impressions, it’s a strong squad.”
Dyche emphasized the importance of more than just technical quality in the Premier League, highlighting factors such as understanding the game, shape, discipline, and quick decision-making as crucial elements to succeed in the league.
Having taken over as Forest’s third manager of the season, Dyche faces the challenge of helping new signings settle while balancing a large squad and managing injuries. He acknowledges that adaptation to the Premier League is not an easy task and varies from player to player.
While expressing belief in the quality of his squad, Dyche stressed the need for players to develop and adjust to the league’s demands, which he acknowledges can take time.
Dilane Bakwa is likely to miss the upcoming game, with a late fitness check scheduled for Chris Wood. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s availability is uncertain following an injury, while Ola Aina remains sidelined for an extended period.
