When Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper faced the media this week, he addressed rumours about his future, as he has done multiple times in his two years in charge.
The head coach of the Reds never seems to be too far from pressure. Not that it was evident from his behaviour during the pre-game press conference before the matchup with Everton on Saturday.
Cooper reiterated his love for the club and insisted he doesn’t listen to any of the chatter. Additionally, he emphasised that his sole focus is on regaining the winning way.
As he looks to end a run of just one win in nine games and recover from last weekend’s loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, the Welshman had plenty more things to talk about. Here is a summary of what was said.
Conflicting crunch?
Evangelos Marinakis, the aspirational owner, continues to support Cooper. Nonetheless, the game this weekend still feels significant. Even though Forest is eight points above the relegation zone, they still need to win. It would undoubtedly improve the atmosphere at City Ground.
“It’s definitely not something you want to be losing games,” Cooper remarked. However, given the intensity of the competition and the calibre of opponents you may face, it is possible in this league.
“You must always have an optimistic outlook. Regardless of the outcome, you must restart your preparation and enter the game with an understanding of what it takes to perform well. It won’t be any different with this.
We try to strengthen the things we have done well in games and learn from the things we haven’t done so well, rather than being overly influenced by the outcome, as both of those things have
“It’s a fantastic game to anticipate—it’s on TV at 5:30 p.m. and the lights will be on. It’s what you desire. We put in a lot of effort to enter and remain in this league because of these games. We are eager for the game and extremely motivated.
Comforts of home
The Reds suffered their first league home loss of the season last weekend. Under Cooper, the City Ground is not accustomed to losing, and the crowd will not want to grow accustomed to it.
Forest’s history The previous season’s Premier League survival was greatly aided by Trentside. And this time, it will play a significant role once more. Cooper remarked, “You never want to see something good come to an end.” But it’s football here.
We must turn it into inspiration to pick ourselves back up. The upcoming game is here, and it’s a fantastic one to anticipate.
This week’s training has been fantastic. I always do, though, because after overcoming some serious highs and lows from the previous season, we have such a strong camp and energetic training facility. No one will sabotage the genuine bond that exists between the players and the staff.
We have been pretty good at improving ourselves as a result of setbacks. That does not imply that it will occur immediately, but it may do so gradually. How you bounce back from setbacks determines your final destination. Let’s address and attempt to make amends for the setback that occurred last week.
Everton obstacle
Everton will be facing a team that is not lacking in motivation. The Toffees are currently in the bottom three after their recent points deduction, but it has also instilled a siege mentality.
Cooper discussed how it would make the match even more difficult last week, following the announcement of Everton’s punishment for breaking financial regulations. He noted that the home crowd will be just as noisy as the away end, but he hasn’t changed his mind.
“Everton is in good form and has been playing well. In their 3-0 home loss to Manchester United last week, I thought they performed admirably,” Cooper remarked.
“There is undoubtedly background to their predicament. When the points deduction was announced last week, I was asked what it meant, and I immediately replied that it made our game even more difficult.
They continue to have a large number of talented players and a wealth of Premier League experience. We must prepare for this particular game.
This week, we are putting a lot of emphasis on ourselves. Every squad we play against is respected, as are the threats they present. Everton has that as well, but the key is how we handle it and use our threats to gain the advantage in the game that we desire.
“There will undoubtedly be a highly driven finish. However, we always have a highly driven home pitch.
The supporters have provided an outstanding representation of Nottingham and the football club, along with all the history and values it stands for, since the team’s return to the Premier League and its appearance on this global platform. They’ve performed that admirably. On the pitch as well, we’ve attempted to give it our all. That’s where our true unity has emerged. You have to maintain it and earn the right with outcomes, levels of effort, and your style of play. You don’t just lose that. Being so close to one another helped us last year when we really needed it, and we’re sure that will continue. The games are all challenging. You have to be bold in every game and occasionally put in extra effort both on and off the field. We have truly performed at our best at that point.
latest injury
The Reds have experienced a fair share of misfortune in terms of injuries, not the least of which was losing talisman Taiwo Awoniyi for an extended amount of time. The forward is a huge loss.
Ibrahim Sangare, a midfielder, is questionable for Saturday. Due to an illness he contracted while serving overseas, he was unable to play last weekend, and it is unclear if he will be fit to play against Everton.
“Ibrahim recently returned to the training. Cooper stated, “He missed the game last week because of a really bad virus.” To be fair, it has knocked him down. Recuperation and return to full health will require some time. Even though he isn’t fully trained, we are happy to have him back with us and back out on the grass. Other than that, we remain the same.
