During the international break, Steve Cooper had a lot to be thankful for. His current task is to maintain Nottingham Forest’s strong start to the season.
On Monday night, when Burnley comes to the City Ground, the Reds go back to playing. Having defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the previous time they played, they will be anxious to continue where they left off.
Forest spent the past two weeks in the top half of the Premier League standings thanks to their victory in the capital. Cooper and club owner Evangelos Marinakis have both described how the team wants to go this season after achieving survival with a game to spare the previous one.
It will be crucial for them to continue their positive form throughout the four games left before the following international break. We look at some of the crucial issues for the Reds head coach to solve when the season starts as he attempts to chart a route for his squad.
Formal modification
Cooper was quite clear that fresh acquisitions were necessary to change the team’s playing style during the transfer window. He has stated that he wants his team to be adaptable in terms of the systems employed.
Forest has utilised a three-man defensive and wingbacks thus far this season. However, Cooper has stated that he would like to transition to a four-man defence; he may not do so constantly, but it appears to be his preference.
It can take some time to put the change into effect because he usually takes things gently with new people. In the same way, a total shift towards a more aggressive approach is unlikely to occur immediately. The objective is to continue erecting pillars.
injury report
The team made an effort to solve the injury problems from the previous season in the summer by hiring a new fitness expert. Thankfully, the list of injured players hasn’t been as extensive so far this season.
Cooper will still want to know where certain players are, especially when deciding on his lineup to play the Clarets. For instance, Felipe being totally fit again would be beneficial.
Cooper saw the Brazilian last week as he accrued playing time for the B squad. It will be interesting to see if he is prepared to start for the first team.
Fire Hudson-Odoi now
Cooper is well aware of Callum Hudson-Odoi’s abilities and is aware of what the 22-year-old is all about. To get the winger to perform to his full capacity is the task.
Cooper coached Hudson-Odoi on the England Under-17 team that won the World Cup. But since then, he hasn’t always had it easy, as injuries have occasionally limited him.
Forest will have a player on their hands if they get to see him at his peak. And one who, having agreed to the deal for a low price, could turn out to be a great business decision.
Some of the Reds’ summer acquisitions may still need time to adjust due to the rush of deals made on deadline day. While others have been on duty with their nations, some will have had time to settle in over the international break.
Last season, Cooper’s ability to assemble a cohesive team and inspire commitment from his players was key. This year, he won’t need to incorporate as many new faces, but he will still need to use the same abilities. And cultivating a strong sense of teamwork is just as crucial now as it was a year ago.
The Welshman will need some time to choose his ideal squad, and he still has a lot to learn about some of the most recent signings. He also has some significant selection challenges for Monday night in the near future.
