‘Nobody’ - Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest warning ahead of Man Utd

In a week which has seen Nottingham Forest fall into the relegation zone and yet more changes to senior management staff, Steve Cooper remains focussed and determined to guide Forest to safety this season.

Nottingham Forest host Manchester United at the City Ground this afternoon and although Forest aren’t without their own injury woes, they face a slightly depleted Red Devils in a fixture which is huge in the fights for both relegation and the top four.

Following a streak of nine games without a win, Forest’s head coach said he sees the determination and togetherness in his players to put an end to their disappointing form.

“Even when I look at the times we have won games and played really well, even that’s not enough. We’ve got to give more… there’s such a motivation and determination to do that,” Cooper said.

“Personally, even though I feel it as much as anybody else when we don’t get the result that we want, I can’t think when I’ve ever been more motivated to achieve and I’m feeling that from the player as well. That will be helpful to any success we have.

“We’ve been in difficult situations before this season and we’ve never been too far away from it even when league tables might have suggested otherwise. I’m not seeing a lack of confidence, I’m definitely not seeing a lack of effort. Nobody is hiding away from the challenge.”

With a tough set of fixtures ahead, Cooper knows his side need to dig deep in order to give the fans the results they need to stay up. This is what Cooper had to say when asked what he wants from both fans and players.

“The fans have been incredible and the support has been integral to anything positive that has happened this season, including after a poor result and poor performance. The support they have given us has helped us to move forward. So they just need to continue.

“It’s us, the players and myself that need to give them more. We really want to try and match their (the supporters) performances because when we do that, especially at home, we’re a difficult opponent.

“It’s on us to deliver, to perform well and to win because we know the supporters are really with us. We’re grateful to that but it’s on us to make sure we give them something to be proud of.”