Here are your Nottingham Forest headlines on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Cooper reveals Marinakis contact
Head coach Steve Cooper says he continues to have “normal” communication with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Greek businessman released a statement backing his manager earlier this month, following the Reds’ defeat to Leeds United. Marinakis said he wanted to end speculation about the Welshman’s future, but warned results and performances needed to improve “immediately”.
Forest have not yet been able to turn their form around, with Sunday’s loss to Manchester United stretching their winless streak to 10 games. But Cooper maintains he is not thinking about his own personal circumstances as he focuses on trying to secure Premier League survival.
History lesson
Head coach Steve Cooper has been giving his Nottingham Forest players a history lesson this week as they try to claw their way out of the relegation zone.
With a 10-match winless streak to try to turn around, the Reds’ Premier League status is in jeopardy as they head into their final seven games. But Cooper has made clear to his squad that they are not facing mission impossible.
The Welshman wouldn’t point to the specific examples he used during team meetings ahead of Saturday’s trip to Liverpool. However, the likes of Aston Villa, Leicester City, Wigan Athletic, West Ham United, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion have all pulled off their own versions of great escapes in the past couple of decades.
Injury boost
Nottingham Forest defender Giulian Biancone has teased a return from injury, having not played since October last year.
The Frenchman joined Steve Cooper's side last summer from Ligue 1 side Troyes. But a devastating knee injury ruled him out of action for much of the season.
Biancone has played just 16 minutes in all competitions for Forest since his arrival at the City Ground in July last year. His most recent appearance was the 0-0 draw at Brighton on October 18.
Klopp warning
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned his players that they will be punished if they do not respect the quality that Nottingham Forest have, ahead of the Premier League meeting.
Forest travel to Anfield on Saturday afternoon with both teams going into the game in different form. While Steve Cooper ’s side remained in the relegation zone with a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United, Liverpool came out as 6-1 winners over Leeds United on Monday night.
Ahead of the clash in Merseyside, Klopp has revealed what he has noticed from his analysis of Forest. The Liverpool boss has also admitted his confusion as to why the style is not producing results.
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