Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper comments on the Reds’ summer transfer window business in the latest Nottingham Forest news.
After the deadline-day arrival of Odysseas Vlachodimos, goalkeeper Matt Turner knows he’ll have to fight for his Nottingham Forest shirt.
When it comes to starting games, Steve Cooper believes there is no such thing as a fixed No. 1 and No. 2. The degree of competitiveness among his keepers exemplifies the Reds’ newfound depth throughout the squad.
Turner has made a strong start to his Forest career after joining from Arsenal earlier this summer. However, Vlachodimos is a Greece international and will compete with him for a starting spot, while Wayne Hennessey is back in action after recovering from a knee injury. With Turner and Vlachodimos joining, there was no room for Ethan Horvath when the club announced their 25-man squad earlier this week.
“There’s a lot of competition,” Cooper stated ahead of Monday’s game against Burnley. “It’s a very competitive area of the pitch right now.”
“We’ve got the competition we want in every area, really. It’s always a specific question where goalkeepers are concerned, but you can look at players in every position and see how there is the same competition.
“It’s really healthy. Danny Alcock, the goalkeeping coach, has got his group in a place where they have really got to push now. We’re really pleased with everyone.“Wayne is back training with us and fit. He has a big influence on the group because of his age and his level of experience. We will try to utilise that.
“Hopefully the guy who plays is in a place where he knows he has to play well. That’s what you want.
“I don’t think it’s as simple as having a No.1. Matt’s wife has just had a baby girl, which is brilliant news for him – as did Cheikhou (Kouyate) a few days before.
“It’s the same for every position. It’s competitive and players are really vying for the shirt.”
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