Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina has emphasized the importance of a solid pre-season as Nottingham Forest continue preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season and their return to European competition.
Speaking on the team’s progress, Aina highlighted that the pre-season period is less about results and more focused on fitness.
“Pre-season is about getting what we need in our legs and understanding each other. It’s not something to worry too much about in terms of outcomes,” he said.
The 28-year-old full-back, who was instrumental in Forest’s campaign last season, believes the groundwork laid during pre-season was a key factor in their qualification for European football.
“It’s about building connections with teammates and getting the ideas right with each other, just so we know what we’re doing this season. I think that was a massive part of our success last season—the pre-season that we had.
“So, obviously, we’ll try to replicate that and hopefully, we can go again this season,” he added.
Nottingham Forest have featured in two pre-season fixtures so far, playing out goalless draws against both Chesterfield and AS Monaco.
Aina will be hoping to maintain his form and fitness ahead of a demanding season that will test Forest both domestically and on the continental stage.
