Nottingham Forest head to Anfield on Sunday looking to put the frustration of last weekend’s draw behind them.
The Reds let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Luton Town at the City Ground. It extended their winless streak to five matches, albeit four of those games have been draws.
Next up for Steve Cooper’s side is a trip to face Liverpool. Ahead of the clash on Merseyside, Forest head coach faced the media in his pre-match press conference. Below is a look at how it panned out.
Almost a week on, the changes Cooper made against the Hatters continue to be a talking point. The topic came up again ahead of Sunday’s match.
The final result wasn’t down to the substitutions alone. But the Welshman admitted the calls he made didn’t have the desired outcome.
“We made some poor decisions on the pitch and some poor decisions off the pitch, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “We have to own that; I have to own that. We are doing and we have done.
“No coach makes changes to have a negative effect on a game. You always make changes with the best intentions.
“But when it doesn’t go as you’d hoped, you have to hold your hands up. As would some of the players on the pitch as well.
“For sure, we’re not going to hide away. I’m not going to hide away from anything which should have been better. But we have to live with it, own it and use it as motivation to not do it again.”
Due to how the match panned out, Chris Wood’s brace didn’t get the attention it would have done had the hosts taken all three points. In the absence of the injured Taiwo Awoniyi, Wood has been tasked with leading the line for the Reds – and he put in a solid individual display at the City Ground, even if he might have added to his tally further.
The New Zealander missed the end of last term due to injury. But whether he has been on the pitch or not, he has been a key influence in the dressing room since his move from Newcastle United.
“Woody picked up an unfortunate injury which was quite serious, and he didn’t return until a couple of weeks into pre-season. He spent the whole summer in rehab and trying to get ready,” Cooper said.
“He got ready and has been really good. He’s looked good in training and looked really fit and fresh.
“His game time had been minimal because of Taiwo’s form. But when he came on in games, he was having the kind of impact you want from a substitution.
“His opportunity then came, through the unfortunate injury to Taiwo, and he’s done well. He took his goals really well last week. He was disappointed he didn’t score more, because that’s the type of guy he is. He’s got three goals now, which with his game time is quite a good return.
“He’s part of the leadership group the players voted in, which tells you he’s a respected guy and is well thought of. He brings his experience and he shares his opinion quite comfortably.”
