Winger Philip Zinckernagel says he is unsure what his future holds beyond the end of his spell with Nottingham Forest.
With the end of the campaign fast approaching, the Dane has just a few weeks left to run on his season-long loan with the Reds from Watford. He is determined to see Forest clinch a top-six spot in that time as they chase promotion to the Premier League.
At the end of that, Zinckernagel will return to the Hornets, who he joined from Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt on a five-and-a-half-year deal in January 2021. But where he fits into their plans remains to be seen, as Roy Hodgson’s side battle relegation from the top-flight.
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Boss' message
Boss Steve Cooper says he will welcome any pressure which comes Nottingham Forest’s way in the next few weeks - because it means they are in with a chance of promotion.
The Reds are three points below the play-off spots ahead of their return to action from the international break. Saturday’s trip to Blackpool marks the start of a 10-game sprint to the finish line, with the aim to clinch a top-six place.
Cooper has experience of what it takes to get there, having twice been in that position with Swansea City. And he is determined to stick to the style of play he has been working to instil at the City Ground, as well as thrive when the spotlight shines Forest’s way.
“I hope pressure does come into it, because it means we will be where we want to be,” he told NottinghamshireLive. “An elite environment, a demanding environment, is about critical moments, important moments.
Promotion challenge
Promotion is the aim for Nottingham Forest as they head into their final 10 games of the season.
Steve Cooper’s side are right in the mix for a top-six finish ahead of their return to action from the international break. But the challenge the Reds and some of their rivals face in trying to get to the Premier League has been laid bare in a study.
Sheffield Hallam University’s Business School has conducted research into the impact of parachute payments. And they found those clubs who benefit from the cash boost are three times more likely to go up than those without the extra funds, according to the Daily Mail.
The authors of the report concluded the payments “distort competition and fuel unsustainable losses at rival clubs”. They looked at how second tier teams fared between 2017 and 2021, compared to previous research on the period from 2006 to 2017.
Youth Cup tie
Nottingham Forest Under-18s hope to attract a big crowd to the City Ground on Monday when they face Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup.
And the Reds will know what to expect when it comes to playing in front of plenty of fans. They have already experienced getting some stick from supporters on their way to the last-four, while dealing with potential distractions is something lead coach Warren Joyce regularly works on with the group during training.
Forest have beaten Bristol City, Peterborough United, Cambridge and Blackburn Rovers on their way to meeting the Blues. And they are eager to go all the way in the competition, with their brilliant run playing a key part in their development.
“You try to give lads experiences, because you know what tick-boxes they need to get up to the first-team so nothing can be a shock to them. This is another vital part,” said Joyce, who joined the club last July.
