“It’s Not Rocket Science” – Anthony Elanga Lifts the Lid on Nuno’s Simple Yet Effective Approach at Nottingham Forest
When Anthony Elanga joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester United, many fans expected him to provide an immediate spark to the attack. What they didn’t anticipate was the profound impact that the club’s manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, would have on his game. Elanga recently opened up about the tactical approach at Forest under Nuno, and his conclusion was strikingly simple: “It’s not rocket science.”
Despite Nuno’s reputation for being a tactically astute coach, Elanga’s assessment suggests that the key to Nottingham Forest’s success lies in straightforward principles that any player can grasp. According to Elanga, Nuno’s philosophy is grounded in clarity, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose—principles that are easy to understand and execute, making the game feel less like an overwhelming puzzle and more like a clear path to follow.
One of the primary elements of Nuno’s approach, as explained by Elanga, is ensuring the team is defensively sound before anything else. “It all starts with defense,” Elanga remarked. “If we’re solid at the back, we can build from there.” This simple yet effective focus on a compact defensive structure has made Forest a tough team to break down, allowing them to regain possession quickly and transition into attack with purpose. While many top teams may complicate things with advanced pressing schemes, Nuno’s emphasis is on positional discipline, making sure the team remains organized and balanced.
Elanga also credited Nuno’s tactical flexibility, explaining that while the instructions may appear basic, they can be adapted to suit different situations. The manager ensures that his players know when to press, when to drop back, and when to exploit space on the counter-attack. This ability to keep things simple but adaptable has allowed Forest to perform consistently against a variety of opposition, regardless of the challenge. Elanga acknowledged that while these principles might not sound groundbreaking, they provide a strong foundation for the team’s performances.
One of the most notable aspects of Nuno’s management, according to Elanga, is his emphasis on communication and understanding between players. “We talk a lot on the pitch,” Elanga said, explaining that the manager encourages players to work together and provide constant feedback. This team-first mentality has helped create a cohesive unit where players intuitively know their roles, which is essential in a fast-paced league like the Premier League.
Elanga also emphasized how Nuno’s approach is tailored to individual strengths. For the Swedish winger, Nuno’s belief in empowering his players to express themselves has been key to his growth. Elanga’s natural flair and pace have been highlighted in a system that allows him to make direct runs and take on defenders. Nuno’s trust in his players’ abilities allows them to play with confidence and freedom, knowing they are not bound by overly rigid tactical instructions.
Ultimately, Elanga’s statement, “It’s not rocket science,” boils down to the simplicity and effectiveness of Nuno’s philosophy. In a world where managers often overcomplicate tactics with intricate formations and strategies, Nuno has found success by keeping it straightforward. His focus on defensive solidity, clear communication, and individual empowerment has not only unlocked potential in players like Elanga but has also made Nottingham Forest a formidable force in the Premier League.
For Elanga, the clarity and simplicity of Nuno’s methods have been key to his integration into the squad and his individual development. The idea that success can be achieved through fundamental principles, rather than complex tactics, has proven to be a winning formula for both Elanga and Forest under Nuno’s leadership.
