Midfielder Orel Mangala believes Nottingham Forest are starting to prove they belong in the Premier League after some improved performances in recent weeks.
And having recovered from a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old is excited to really show what he can do, too, as he embraces the fast-paced nature of English football. The signs are encouraging, with Mangala having made a positive early impression in his seven appearances so far this season.
Nicknamed “Pattex” by fans of former club Stuttgart, after a German brand of superglue because of the way the ball sticks to his feet, the summer signing says he has settled into life Trentside. One of 22 new arrivals during the transfer window, Mangala believes there are signs the team is beginning to gel on the pitch as they prepare to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
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“We are starting to look like a Premier League team. Now, everyone knows Forest isn’t an easy game, and that’s important,” said the Belgian.
"It was not really difficult to settle here, because the staff and my teammates have helped me. It is unusual to have so many new players at the same time; I haven't seen that before. But it was not a problem.
"Now I think we are more like a team. Every day we keep trying to get to know each other better, and I think we are in a good way. You can see that with the results and how we play on the pitch. We are more compact on the field. Every week we are getting better.
“It was frustrating not to be playing. I expected to play a lot more, but then I got this injury. I’ve worked hard to get fit again, and now I feel good. I feel ready to enjoy the Premier League.
“For sure, the pace of the game is a little bit different to what I was used to. It’s more slow in Germany; here it’s all about direct play - attack, attack, attack. I like it.”
Mangala had long held ambitions of making the move to these shores before his switch to the City Ground materialised. Countryman Alberty Sambi Lokonga, who made the move to the Gunners from Anderlecht in 2021, convinced him the Premier League would suit his game - and the pair could come up against each other at the Emirates Stadium.
“Last season we spoke about the Premier League. He told me that it’s a nice league and it would suit me,” Mangala said.
“It’s always been a dream to play in the Premier League. When we talked, he told me, ‘it will be a nice league for you, hopefully you will come soon’. I contacted him when he signed for Arsenal and I was very happy for him.
“He couldn’t wait for me to come, and now I’m here. I’m excited to play against him.”
Head coach Steve Cooper has said it “would have been mis-management on my part” to include Mangala in the XI against Liverpool last time out. The game came a few days after he had made his first start since recovering from injury, in the 0-0 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Cooper has been pleased with the way the midfielder has “engaged in learning”, though. And the man himself says he is feeling the benefits of working with the Welshman.
“It’s good. We talk a lot. He talks a lot with all of the players, which is very important,” said Mangala.
“I am still a young player and I need the gaffer to speak a lot with me. I enjoy working with him. He’s helping me on the pitch, and that’s very important.”
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