Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis Aims Higher Than European Qualification

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Nottingham Forest's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has expressed his ambition to aim beyond just securing a European spot, following the team's strong start to the season. Currently positioned sixth in the Premier League after 14 matches, Forest had previously been in the Champions League spots before experiencing three losses in their last four games.

Marinakis remains optimistic about Forest's potential under Nuno Espirito Santo. He told Sky Sports, "I see it even higher and I think you need to believe in your dreams." He acknowledged the challenges but emphasised the importance of having a determined mindset and setting ambitious goals. "Nothing is impossible," he added, encouraging perseverance and resilience.

This season, Forest have managed to secure four points from matches against Liverpool and Chelsea. They are also the only team to have defeated the league leaders across all competitions. Despite limited resources compared to the Premier League's Big Six, Marinakis believes that consistently challenging these top teams is achievable.

"Yes, I think that is realistic," Marinakis stated. He stressed the significance of taking responsibility during both good and bad times. Sharing responsibilities during victories is enjoyable, but it's crucial to own up to mistakes during tough periods to recover and succeed.

Marinakis highlighted Nottingham Forest's illustrious history as a significant factor in his decision to get involved with the club. The team won consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980 and claimed the First Division title in 1978-79. This rich legacy fuels his belief that they can disrupt the established order within the Premier League.

"For me, that was the target from the beginning," Marinakis explained. He recalled how people initially thought his ambitions were unrealistic but insisted on their importance. "If Forest weren't a big team, I wouldn't get involved," he said, reflecting on his memories from visiting England in the early 1980s when Liverpool and Nottingham Forest were dominant teams.

As Nottingham Forest continues its journey this season, Marinakis' vision remains clear: aiming high while embracing hard work and patience will eventually lead to success. His commitment to restoring Forest's former glory underscores his dedication to achieving long-term goals for the club.