EPL

Cooper remains Forest manager despite 'disruptive reporting' after dismal run

By Sports Desk April 05, 2023

Steve Cooper is still Nottingham Forest manager despite claims he was set to be sacked, owner Evangelos Marinakis said in a statement.

Forest lost 2-1 at Leeds United on Tuesday, extending the Premier League's longest active winless run to eight matches.

It was a familiar story for Forest, who failed to win a league-high eighth game after scoring first and still have a joint-low six away points.

The loss leaves the promoted side in 17th place, outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Reports in the British media suggested Cooper was therefore set to lose his job on Wednesday.

However, Forest are again standing by their manager, as they did earlier in the season when Cooper was handed a new contract following a 4-0 defeat at Leicester City.

Marinakis said: "No one denies that our club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.

"We have all been disappointed with recent performances, and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately.

 

"Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players, to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.

"There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation.

"There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest."

When the season paused at the end of March for an international break, Forest had the third-hardest run-in in the Premier League, according to Opta's power rankings.

They have since taken only a single point from a double-header against fellow strugglers Wolves and Leeds.

Forest's next five games are against top-half opposition, while they are also still to welcome league leaders Arsenal to the City Ground.

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