Roy Keane Slams Nottingham Forest Star for ‘No Presence’ After Fulham Defeat

Roy Keane Slams Nottingham Forest Star for ‘No Presence’ After Fulham Defeat

Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis following Nottingham Forest’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on December 22, 2025. The former Manchester United captain and Forest legend tore into one of the Reds’ players, criticising their lack of impact and describing them as having “no presence” on the pitch. Keane emphasised that such performances “can’t keep happening” if Forest are to climb away from the lower mid-table scrap.

The match, the final Premier League fixture before Christmas, saw Fulham secure victory through a Raul Jiménez penalty in the first half. Despite opportunities for both sides, Forest struggled to create clear chances, with striker Igor Jesus notably isolated and ineffective up front. Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, appeared to direct his sharpest criticism towards the forward line, highlighting a recurring issue of invisibility in key moments.

“It’s frustrating to watch,” Keane said. “You’ve got players out there with no presence whatsoever. They’re not imposing themselves, not winning headers, not holding the ball up. It can’t keep happening week after week if you want results in this league.” His comments echo similar frustrations he’s expressed about modern players lacking the grit and leadership he embodied during his playing days.

Nottingham Forest, under manager Sean Dyche, have shown resilience in patches this season but remain vulnerable to defeats against mid-table rivals like Fulham. The loss left them in 17th place, with a five-point buffer above the relegation zone. Keane, who spent three years at the City Ground early in his career, has often been vocal about his old club’s need for more fight and personality.

Fans on social media echoed Keane’s sentiments, with many pointing to the absence of injured strikers like Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi as a mitigating factor, but agreeing that substitutes failed to make an impact. As Forest head into the busy festive period, Keane’s words serve as a stark warning: without more presence and intensity, more disappointing results could follow.