Steve Cooper survives sack as Forest hit out at ‘false’ claims

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has issued a statement denying any plans to sack Steve Cooper in a bid to “end the speculation” over his future at the club. Forest’s winless run stretched to eight games after letting slip an early lead against Leeds on Tuesday evening to lose 2-1.

The match was seen as make-or-break for Cooper with multiple reports indicating anything other than a win at Elland Road would see the manager lose his job. That speculation only grew into Wednesday with Forest tipped to make Cooper the latest Premier League managerial casualty.

But Cooper’s job is safe for now at least with Forest owner Marinakis releasing a strong statement on the club’s official website addressing their managerial position. The statement read: “No one denies that our Club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.

“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately. Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players – to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.

“There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest.”

Cooper faced tough questions on his future following the defeat to Leeds on Tuesday night, but admitted that the outside noise wasn’t affecting him. “I always think of the greater good of the football club,” said the 43-year-old Cooper.

Don’t miss…
Reason Man Utd vs Brentford isn’t on Sky Sports, BT Sport or Amazon [LATEST]
Four Man Utd players must prove they have a future in Brentford clash [LATEST]
Liverpool boss Klopp has problem with three players after Chelsea draw [LATEST]

“Any worry, frustration, disappointment I am feeling right now is that Forest have lost a game they could have done so much better in. That is how I am wired. I have trained myself to focus on what is controllable and work as hard as I can every day and believe in my work and stay true to it.

“I have been answering questions about myself for a little while now. I respect the question, but I am not the person who thinks about it. All the joy of winning and the disappointment of losing is what is right for the football club and not myself.”

Forest are level on points with three other teams hovering above the relegation zone and are back in action this weekend against the in-form Aston Villa.

Source: Read Full Article