Head coach Philippe Montanier and Chris Cohen gave their thoughts following the weekend’s victory over Leeds United.
Hosting Garry Monk’s side at the City Ground for the game with Montanier believing it would be one of our toughest tests yet this season, Nottingham Forest took a largely comfortable three one victory on the day with goals coming from Pajtim Kasami, Damien Perquis and Oliver Burke and the gaffer couldn’t have been more pleased with the display as Forest made it three home wins from three.
Speaking to the Official Forest Site in his post game press interviews a delighted manager explained.
‘It was a very tough game to win against a team that has played well away from home in recent weeks. I am very happy with the result and with the mentality of the players. We looked a lot more solid this afternoon which was the target. We found a good balance between attacking and defending. The defenders didn`t take any risks and the midfielders and forwards always helped them out. I am really satisfied with the home performances this season and I`m pleased for the fans. Their support is superb and we spoke about that before the game and how we wanted to give something back to them.’
With the announcement of the move on the matchday of Jamie Paterson’s switch to Bristol City for an undisclosed fee, Montanier was asked about that decision and he explained he felt it was best for all concerned – but it wouldn’t be the final action of the transfer window.
Sadly it wasn’t as Oliver Burke also departed.
‘Jamie wants to play football and have more game time and we couldn`t guarantee that for him here. I have the utmost respect for his decision and we wish him good luck and all the best with his new club. I hope it will be busy over the next few days. We will hopefully have more news on Monday and Tuesday and we are hoping to close different deals to get players to the club. We hope to close a deal for a new striker in the next few days. We`re no closer right now but we hope to get it done before the end of the transfer window. That would be an important signing for us.’
As for Cohen, in his own interviews he focused in on the attacking play of the side, believing it’s been a long time since we have been such a force going forward.
‘It was obviously a great win and it felt a lot more solid than last week. First half I thought we shaded it with the chances we created and then after the break we sat in with a solid shape and it took a wonder strike to beat Hendo. We’ve been trying to find that balance of being threatening at one end and stopping goals going in at the other. To have scored 11 goals in the first three games at The City Ground is great and it’s entertaining for the supporters. It’s my tenth season at the club and I can’t remember a time where I was so confident going into games that we’re going to score goals. Even if we concede now we know we can still hit back and go on to win the game.’
With the international break now, but tough trips to Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, Cohen added that we go into the break in good spirits and the players are looking to keep a pleasing start to the campaign going when Championship action returns.
‘We’re all guilty of trying to predict the future but at the moment we’re enjoying playing under the manager and we’re pleased for him that he’s had a good start to the season. It’s an exciting time to be at the club right now. We’ve got some tough away games coming up in September and they’ll show exactly where we’re at. We’ve had two tricky away games so far and not picked up any points so we know we have to improve in that area.’
