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Nottingham Post

Sport

Sarah Clapson

Steve Cooper on key Nottingham Forest dilemma, City Ground form and fans ahead of Arsenal clash

Steve Cooper Forest Nottingham Forest Arsenal City Ground Gunners Brennan Johnson Chelsea Southampton

Nottingham Forest’s strong record at the City Ground has been crucial to their survival hopes this season.

And the Reds will be aiming for one more big result in their final home game of the campaign. They are well aware of the challenge ahead of them however, as they host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Head coach Steve Cooper covered a number of topics in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game. Here’s a look at some of the main talking points.

Team spirit

Unity and togetherness are phrases which have cropped up a lot in Cooper’s press conferences. Even when results haven’t gone the right way, he has pointed out that the atmosphere at training has always been good.

And although there is the possibility survival could be secured with the upcoming round of fixtures, Forest are focused on nothing more than taking on the Gunners. They know there is still a long way to go in the relegation battle.

"Positive and motivated,” Cooper said of the spirit among the squad. "There's a lot riding on it, but there’s still two games left and we have to just focus on Arsenal and not think anything beyond what it takes to do well in the game.

"It will be a great atmosphere and there's so much at stake, but there's still a game to play. If we’re thinking about what ifs and other things beyond being at our best on Saturday then we won’t be at our best, and that's something we cannot let happen.

"The attitude and atmosphere in training has been very good and motivated, I never have any complaints with that. There’s a real focus on doing well on Saturday."

Selection dilemma

Cooper has a big call to make when it comes to picking his team for this weekend. Brennan Johnson was left out of the starting XI at Chelsea, despite having been integral in the victory over Southampton.

The change was made amid a tweak in formation which saw the Reds revert to a three-man defence with wing-backs. And the manager must decide whether to stick or twist, knowing Johnson has the ability to hurt Arsenal.

“I have for a while, to be honest,” Cooper said, when asked if he faces a selection dilemma. “It’s what you want.

“You want to have selection dilemmas in a positive way, not ones that are forced on you - and believe me, we’ve had a few of them. We looked at what we thought the game may need against Chelsea, and we looked at the personnel. You try to pick the right team.

“What’s good about the group - and it’s been the case all season - is everyone wants to play, of course, but personal pride and ego is put to one side by the players who are not starting because they know the greater good of the club is more important. That’s a positive thing.

“It’s not just about dilemmas for the last game and the next game, it’s been like that for a little while now. I’d rather it that way than it being straight forward and not having decisions to make.”

Superb support

In almost every press conference since he took charge, Cooper has referenced the fans. That bond is as strong as ever.

The atmosphere at the City Ground this term has been phenomenal. Supporters have helped drag the team over the line on several occasions.

Asked why the home form has been so strong this season, Cooper said: "It feels like home with the support we get from the stands and the people who come to support us. The away support has been just as good, it's just we haven’t been able to give them more to shout about.

"In terms of home games, there’s been a real sense of support, good will and really getting behind the team and being proud of Nottingham Forest and the team. There's been a real feeling of sticking together whatever happens during the game. That's why we’ve managed to get through times where we’ve gone a goal down.

"The support has been absolutely incredible and I’ll never get tired of saying it. That’s the main factor, as well as the players really committing to the plan and doing whatever it takes."

Results elsewhere

With the various permutations having been pored over this week, all eyes will also be on what happens with Forest’s rivals in the next few days. Everton play first this weekend, with a 3pm kick-off away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leeds United are at West Ham United on Sunday, while Leicester City travel to Newcastle United on Monday.

“There’s a game before ours because we kick off a bit later,” Cooper said. “Fair play to the players - particularly with the Southampton game, when everything went on before us - they’ve really shown they can stay on task and not be deterred by what’s gone on elsewhere.

“I don’t think it’s an advantage or disadvantage to play before or after anyone else; it’s never that easy. It’s all about taking care of your own business.

“It’s all about doing what it takes to look after yourself, because in the end that is the biggest aspect of determining where you end up. We’re mindful of that, and that’s where our focus is.”

Asked whether he will watch Leeds and Leicester if he is able to, the Forest boss added: “If it’s on, it’s on. I certainly won’t be hiding away from it. Those other games are not focusing our mind more than our game, because that’s the most important one to us.”