Steve Cooper wants to keep opponents guessing as Nottingham Forest prepare for their Premier League return.
Since his arrival at the City Ground last September, the Welshman has stressed the importance of the Reds having an identity. He is keen for his team to play entertaining, attacking football - and that is unlikely to change in the top-flight.
But on their way to promotion, Forest also showed they can get results in different ways when they need to. And that is a quality they will need to call on again this coming season.
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Cooper fielded a strong starting XI in his side’s first run-out of the summer against Coventry City. The Reds head coach constantly urged his players to push ‘higher’ as he yelled instructions from the sidelines. Ensuring they are flexible in their approach is just as important, however.
“We don’t want to be too predictable. I think we’ve always got to have variety in our game, and we showed that last year,” Cooper told NottinghamshireLive after the 3-1 defeat.
“The balance is going to be building on many good things we did last year - both on the pitch and off the pitch, including spirit and the togetherness of the group - while trying to evolve, adapt and improve. That’s the challenge of pre-season, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”
The game against the Sky Blues ended a week-long training camp in Spain. Forest will build on the work done ahead of the start of the new season.
Cooper added: “The week was very good, very productive. We’ve introduced some new players, which has been important, and resetting in how we want the team to play.
“And you get going with building your physical levels and your robustness, and everything we want to be by the start of the season. It was a good introductory week.
“We go back with lots of training in the bank, lots of information and lots of meetings. And lots of time together, which is important, especially with the new boys.”
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