Thursday’s briefing: Nottingham Forest’s European return ends all square

Nottingham Forest’s return to Europe did not go exactly to plan, but domestically there were few problems for Premier League sides in the Carabao Cup.

Wayne Rooney revealed how wife Coleen managing his alcohol issues saved his life.

Ange Postecoglou’s wait for a first win continues but the Nottingham Forest boss saw positives and moments of “beauty” as the club’s long-awaited European return ended in a frustrating draw at Real Betis.

The Reds’ first continental campaign since 1995/96 started in Seville where their Europa League opener was heading for a memorable victory after Igor Jesus scored twice after Cedric Bakambu’s goal for the hosts.

However, Antony scored late on and Postecoglou said: “I guess the challenge now is to make sure the players don’t drop their heads at all because we’re not getting the victories.

“I’m really disappointed tonight they didn’t get the rewards for the good play because that fuels it even more, they feel even better about the way things are going.”

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes he would be dead were it not for his wife Coleen helping him manage problems with alcohol.

The 39-year-old, United’s record goalscorer, says he was “struggling massively” with his drinking during his playing career and admits he would often do it for two straight days.

“I honestly believe if she weren’t there I’d be dead,” he told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

“I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and have a night out. It got to a point where I went too far – that was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively with alcohol.”

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