Gibbs-White reveals how Dyche’s ‘quality’ methods sparked Forest revival

Nottingham Forest’s season has flipped on its head in the space of a month — and nobody is better placed to explain it than Morgan Gibbs-White. The 25-year-old midfielder was outstanding in Forest’s stunning 3–0 win away at Liverpool on 22 November 2025, a result that lifted the Reds out of the relegation zone and delivered the clearest evidence yet of the Sean Dyche effect.

It wasn’t a smash-and-grab. Forest looked organised, aggressive and ruthless, forcing errors from the reigning Premier League champions and punishing them through Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Gibbs-White himself. Dyche’s men have now lost only once since he replaced Ange Postecoglou, and the shift in intensity is obvious.

Speaking to the BBC after full-time, Gibbs-White credited Dyche’s arrival for the dramatic uptick. “Fresh mind, fresh energy, fresh legs… he’s been putting us to work,” he said. And crucially: “All the boys have bought into it. We believe in it — and it’s showing.”

Dyche didn’t waste time. Training intensity increased, distances run went up, defensive spacing tightened and standards rose. Forest, who finished seventh last season thanks to defensive solidity, had lost their way; Dyche has restored what they previously did best.

The Liverpool win was proof. Forest had little of the ball — but never looked overwhelmed. Their block was compact, their duels fierce, and their transitions decisive. Gibbs-White admitted the squad “felt comfortable even though we didn’t have the ball”. That mentality shift is Dyche’s signature.

Having followed Nottingham Forest closely last season, this version of the club feels familiar — and that’s the point. Dyche hasn’t reinvented Forest; he has refocused them. In our view, the improvement stems from two pillars: clearer defensive roles and simplified attacking responsibilities. Under Postecoglou, Forest often pressed aggressively but without structure. Under Dyche, they pick moments carefully, which is why they looked so composed at Anfield.

Although some fans hoped for a more expansive style, other indications point differently: Forest’s player profile suits Dyche’s model better than Postecoglou’s. This is a squad built for duels and transitions, not sterile possession. It makes tactical sense.

From my experience covering Dyche’s Everton tenure, his most successful spells came when players embraced graft before glamour. Forest are doing exactly that. And with Liverpool only six points ahead of them — despite being reigning champions — the table already shows how effective Dyche’s reset has been.

Expect Forest to lean into the formula: compact mid-block, rapid wing transitions and relentless set-piece pressure. Dyche also wants greater unpredictability in the final third, something the emergence of Savona and the improved form of Gibbs-White can provide. Their next goal is consistency — a Dyche trademark when foundations settle.

Forest face Brighton on 30 November 2025, with Dyche aiming for a third consecutive league victory — something unthinkable a month ago. Momentum is building, belief is returning, and the relegation threat is fading.

👉 Forest fans — what impressed you most: Dyche’s structure or the team’s mentality shift?