Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Taiwo Awoniyi opens up on Nottingham Forest manager ahead of Liverpool clash at Anfield
Taiwo Awoniyi has praised Steve Cooper’s influence at Nottingham Forest. The 26-year-old reportedly paid a club record £17 million to transfer from Union Berlin to the City Ground last summer. Since then, he has scored 14 goals across all competitions.
Due to an injury, Awoniyi has not been able to play and will not be present at Anfield on Sunday when Liverpool, his former team, plays. However, the Nigerian international has praised Cooper’s player-management style and recalled “the belief” he instilled in the team that they would not be relegated the previous season.
According to Awoniyi, “He’s one of the best coaches I’ve worked under,” Liverpoolfc.com reported. “The approach he takes, the tone he uses when speaking with players, and the assurance he exudes.”
“We had a lot of pressure last season, but you could see in his eyes that he always believed, he knew we were going to stay up. That’s what every player wants from their manager. He gives you the belief that you can really get to the peak of your career, if you are ready to work for him and go for it.”
He added: “I have learned so much in my time in England already, and improved so much. The Premier League is different from everywhere else. It is a league where you have to always be ready, physically, technically and mentally.
“You can’t have anxieties in the Premier League, you have to be there every week, 100 per cent, because there are so many strong teams, strong players. The level is so high. Every team is a big club, a team that can easily beat you. That is what sets it apart from the other leagues. The challenge every single week is huge.”
