Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said it will be a ‘real challenge’ for Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper to integrate his summer signings into the City Ground squad after a busy transfer window.
The Reds were the busiest club in the summer window, bringing in 22 new faces to the City Ground. The number of new arrivals has prompted criticism from some pundits.
It was a much quieter summer for Leicester City with the club signing just one outfield player, Belgian centre-back Wout Faes joining the club on deadline day. Before the window opened, Rodgers spoke about his hope for a squad refresh.
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Despite their different windows, both teams have endured a difficult start to the Premier League season and will look to kick start their campaign when they meet at the King Power Stadium on Monday (8pm). Ahead of the game, Forest and Leicester sit 19th and 20th place in the Premier League respectively.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Rodgers delivered his verdict on Forest’s transfer window and the job that Cooper has done with the club since taking over just over a year ago.
“It’s contrast really with where we’re at with the two clubs in terms of signings and whatnot,” he said. "But it’s always difficult that first year back in. I’ve experienced that myself as a manager and Steve has done a brilliant job to take them from where they were to get them into the Premier League.
“To then create a cohesive unit and team with so many new faces is a real, real challenge. It’s been a difficult start for them in terms of some of the results.”
The two sides last met in the FA Cup last season, in what was a memorable day for Forest as they ran out as 4-1 winners at the City Ground. Rodgers has said his team will use that defeat - which ended their reign as FA Cup-holders - as motivation come Monday.
“For us, it’s a great game to look forward to. We really owe the supporters on this one. It hasn’t been a great start to the season for us and there's the result from last year.
"We’re very determined. The attitude is there for us and the energy is there to produce a performance that can hopefully kick start our season.”
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