Lamouchi arrived in the summer of 2019 as Martin O’Neill’s successor, initially an unfamiliar figure to many supporters. A pre-season defeat against Ilkeston and João Carvalho’s injury did little to ease the early doubts.
That mood changed quickly. Lamouchi built a strong relationship with the squad, the stadium, the supporters and the city, guiding Forest into the promotion conversation during the 2019-20 Championship season.
“Estivemos perto do acesso direto. Talvez eu tenha cometido erros, claro. Mas assinar aqui foi provavelmente uma das melhores decisões da minha vida,” he said.
The 2-0 win over Leeds remains one of the nights he remembers most fondly, alongside victories against Fulham and Brentford. Yet Forest’s campaign unravelled after the pandemic suspension, with a heavy final-day defeat by Stoke City leaving them outside the play-offs.
Lamouchi believes that Forest side was not quite ready for promotion, particularly given the disruption that followed the restart. Still, he remains proud of the foundations laid during his spell.
He maintains contact with several former players and thanked owner Evangelos Marinakis for the opportunity. Forest have since reached the Premier League, while the emotional connection between the club and its supporters remains central to Lamouchi’s memories.
His latest assignment proved far more painful. After taking charge of Tunisia on a two-and-a-half-year contract in January, he was dismissed following a 5-1 defeat by Sweden in a World Cup match. Lamouchi felt he had not been given enough time to implement meaningful changes.
Now living in London with his family, Lamouchi has left the door open to another role in British football.
“Depende das pessoas, do projeto e do desafio,” he said.
That answer keeps the possibility alive without forcing the issue. The next chapter may depend on which club is willing to offer him the time and authority he felt were missing in Tunisia.