Ola Aina making a forward run with the ball.
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest full-back, Olaoluwa Temitayo Aina, has reflected on Nottingham Forest’s turbulent Premier League campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old versatile full-back has started 19 games for the Tricky Trees, despite missing about two months of club football due to the AFCON 2023 competition.
Forest are currently 17th on the English Premier League table, with 29 points from 36 games, three points above Luton Town who face West Ham United later today.
Ola Aina relegated with Fulham, on loan from Torino in the 2020/2021 season, but is determined to prevent the feat from happening with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
“We’ve been very unlucky and I think some things could have been dealt with differently. That’s clear for everyone to see, but the way we are as a squad is that we will moan about it for a bit and then just move on. We never dwell on things. All we care about is getting on the pitch and performing well. With things not going our way we have got closer together and want to fight for the badge and the club. Our fans can see that togetherness when we’re on the pitch. We have been relentless and won’t stop fighting until the end,” the former Chelsea man said in an interview with The Guardian.
The Super Eagles’ versatile wing-back will face his former team in Chelsea this evening, and there is no love lost between both parties.
“I like playing against Chelsea and I still support them after being there for so many years, but I am really enjoying my time here at Forest. I love it. It’s been great and they have welcomed me in with open arms. The club is fantastic and it’s a great experience playing at the City Ground. The atmosphere is amazing and it feels good to be here. I just want to finish the season and I’m sure stuff will sort itself out. Right now the focus is just being in the Premier League next season,” the one-time Premier League winner added.
Forest had four deducted due to a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) and have had a public spat with the referees’ body the PGMOL, which led them to appoint Mark Clattenburg as a refereeing consultant.
Forest would need a maximum of six points in their remaining two Premier League games to have their top-flight status remain intact. They will play against Chelsea and Burnley.