- Milenković is loving life as a Red
- 27-year-old hasn't missed a Premier League minute since making his Forest debut
- Serbian defender speaking ahead of trip to Newcastle
Nottingham Forest defender Nikola Milenković says he and his family are loving life in Nottingham following the Serbian defender’s move Trentside in August 2023.
The 27-year-old hasn’t missed a minute of Premier League action since making his debut against Southampton in August, helping the Reds keep 10 clean sheets in that time, the joint most in the league.
A key cog in Nuno’s team, underlined by his consistent presence in the Forest defence since his move from Fiorentina, the 27-year-old says he and his family have settled into the East Midlands and highlighted the importance of having them by his side.
Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United: “It’s a really nice city to live in! I have my family here and they’re really enjoying Nottingham. Your family is your first supporter, so it’s been very important to have them with me here.
“When I go home, I have the energy from my family which is very, very important for me.
“We just want to do our best for our incredible fans; we have big support whether we’re playing at home or away. We really feel it and we want to repay them with performances on the pitch and make them happy.”
Forest are looking for successive wins at St James’ Park on Sunday for the first time since 1988 to keep up the pressure on the teams above them in the table.
But the Forest defender says the squad aren’t looking to the end of the season just yet, maintaining focus on the next task at hand.
“It’s our strength just to focus on the next game, we don’t look too far to the future; I think we need to stay focussed and live in the present.
“Our strength is the group, we’re solid, there’s a great atmosphere and great chemistry in the group. Everyone that steps on the pitch wants to give 100%.
“Everything we do, we do together on the pitch. We prepare for every game in a good way but it’s important for us to keep going. We’re all trying to help each other.”
Milenković added: “Nobody expected us to be in this position at this time, but it’s not a surprise now, it’s a reality. It’s important for us to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground but most importantly, keep improving.”
