Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira tops Nottingham Forest list if Steve Cooper sacked
Patrick Vieira tops Nottingham Forest’s list of possible replacements for under-fire Steve Cooper.
Forest boss Cooper, whose free-falling outfit host Manchester United tomorrow (April 16), recently received another vote of confidence from big-spending owner Evangelos Marinakis.
That second show of public support in a matter of months for the manager stifled intense speculation he was about to be sacked amid an eight-game winless streak.
Vieira, 46, is aware of Forest’s interest but would prefer to wait until the summer before finding a new job as he recovers from his dismissal by Crystal Palace last month.
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The Frenchman’s reign at Selhurst Park came to an abrupt end after Palace failed to register a single victory in 13 attempts in 2023. Under short-term successor Roy Hodgson, the Eagles bounced backed with two victories.
Despite the unhappy conclusion to his 20 months in South London, Vieira is still regarded by Forest as the best option to assume the hotseat should patience with Cooper snap.
The ex-Swansea coach became an instant hit with the Midlands club last season when he ended their two decades outside the English elite by steering them to Championship play-off glory.
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But following a massive overhaul to the squad last summer, Cooper 43, has found life in the Premier League a rollercoaster struggle. Having seemingly turned around a wretched start, Forest have nosedived in alarming fashion of late, picking up just three points from a possible 27.
That has left them in relegation danger – and Cooper’s position at the helm hanging by a thread. A hefty defeat to Erik ten Hag’s depleted United could prove the final nail.
Whether Forest can then persuade Vieira to step into the breach immediately – or are forced to look elsewhere until he is available – remains to be seen. But the former France and Arsenal skipper will be the first port of call if the axe does fall on Cooper.
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