Steve Cooper opens up on Nottingham Forest reunion and singles out one Reds player
Steve Cooper says he will ‘stay on the task’ of being Leicester City manager rather than getting involved in the narrative surrounding his first reunion with Nottingham Forest.
On Friday (8pm) Cooper will face Forest for the first time since leaving the club in December 2023. The Welshman masterminded an unlikely promotion from the Championship and in his first full season at the club defied the odds – and a chaotic transfer window – to help the Reds retain their top flight status.
However, progress didn’t come as quickly as some would have liked and after a run of just one win in 13 games and with the Reds struggling in 17th place in the table he was sacked and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo. He was out of work for six months before being appointed by City following the departure of Enzo Maresca to Chelsea.
Against some simmering discontent Cooper has led the Foxes to wins in their last two games and they are now 14th, six places and four points behind Forest.
He will be hoping to bridge that gap at the King Power Stadium but was quick to downplay any personal significance or consider the reception he might get from the travelling supporters.
“It’s just now all about the club here and the work here," the Leicester boss said. "It doesn’t matter who we play now. It’s about the focus here for me and the staff. People that know me will know I stay on task and that I don’t let anything interfere with that.
“I’ve not thought about that. I did all that in the summer. It’s all about the game. This is why I’ve coached a million sessions, this is why the team fought so hard to get back into the Premier League. It’s about the game and that’s where my focus is. I don’t want to think about anything else. That’s where my mindset is.
“We just analyse every opponent in terms of how we feel we can play in the game. Our focus is on us. We’re at home and we’re looking at our game and how we can implement our ideas. Forest will be no different. They’ve got a good points return so far. But we’re just focusing on ourselves. That’s what has given us our best moments so far.
“With Chris Wood, they have a goalscorer. They’re creating chances for him and they have good athleticism. Whatever team you play in the Premier League, you can always see what they do well. But we have to back ourselves.”