Nottingham Forest have informed Steve Cooper that he will be given more time to get the club’s season back on track, sources have confirmed to 90min.
Forest have endured a torrid start to the Premier League season, sitting bottom of the table with one win from eight games. That is despite having spent £150m on new players in the summer, bringing in a British record number of signings – 22 to be precise.
Cooper performed brilliantly in the Championship to guide Forest to promotion. Even with the task of gelling the new faces, many presumed that the Tricky Trees would have sufficient quality to stay up.
However, a heavy loss to east midlands rivals and fellow strugglers Leicester on Monday was a sixth defeat in eight league games and has left Forest propping up the standings.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been growing impatient and has wanted to make changes at the top, but Cooper is not one of those that is immediately on his way out. Instead, Marinakis has brought in a new sporting director in the shape of former Watford man Filippo Giraldi.
90min has been told that Giraldi has advised Marinakis to give Cooper more time and whilst the Greek supremo has agreed, he has also given instruction to ensure a list of appropriate replacements is in place.
One of those who has already thrown his hat into the ring is former Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton boss Rafa Benitez – whose representatives have made Forest aware that he would be keen to take charge at the City Ground.
Forest are also assessing the options around Europe, and interest in the job is high. For now, Cooper is the man in charge, although his position does remain perilous.
Credit: 90min.com
