For the first time since taking charge, Steve Cooper faces a different kind of challenge at Nottingham Forest as he attempts to navigate through a “sticky period”.
But it is one he will not shy away from. And the Welshman admits attempting to bounce back starts with looking at himself, following the Reds’ 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
The hosts had looked in control at half-time at the City Ground, thanks to goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Brennan Johnson. However, the second half was a different story as they collapsed in the face of a Cherries fightback.
READ MORE: How the Reds rated against Bournemouth
READ MORE: Cooper makes Forest admission after second half collapse
Having overseen a transformation on Trentside since his appointment last September, it is the first time Forest have lost three in a row under Cooper - albeit losing to top-quality teams, in Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, came with certain caveats. The head coach is determined to show he can handle the tough times, as well as the good, as his team get to grips with the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.
“They all hurt,” Cooper said of the losses, speaking to BBC Nottingham. “But since we’ve been here, things have gone really well. It’s one thing managing a club that’s going really well; what’s really important to me is that I show I can manage a club that might go through some sticky periods as well, because that’s what a proper manager does - and I want to become that.
“I’ll be looking at myself, what’s gone on this week, as well, and aim to do better. It starts with me.
“I’m okay with that. Football management is about highs and lows, and good moments and difficult moments. We’ve had a difficult week, let’s not hide away from that.
“For me, now, I need to show everybody - most importantly, the supporters - that I can manage this club after a difficult week. That’s important to me, because it’s easy to manage after a good week.”
What did you make of Forest's defeat to Bournemouth? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
