Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper asserted on Thursday that he does not require a vote of confidence from the club's owner as he works to navigate the team through a challenging Premier League slump.
Facing scrutiny after a series of disappointing performances, Cooper remains focused on his responsibilities without seeking reassurances.
With just one win in the last 12 games, Nottingham Forest finds itself dangerously close to the relegation zone ahead of Friday's match against Tottenham. Owner Evangelos Marinakis, known for managerial changes at Olympiakos, had envisioned a top-half finish following significant pre-season investments at the City Ground.
"I don't need any reassurances. For me, it is to stay true to yourself," Cooper emphasized."I only focus on my job, and that is the relationship with the people I work with every single day, the players and staff, and commit to what we believe is the way of working."
Cooper highlighted his commitment to the team's philosophy over the past couple of years, emphasising that his focus remains on what he can control: working hard every day and providing the best possible service to prepare for the next game.
As Forest faces injury concerns with Serge Aurier and Brazilian defender Murillo, Cooper remains uncertain about their availability for Friday's game against former club Spurs. While Aurier is doubtful with a calf injury, Murillo's condition will be assessed after he limped off during the previous week's draw at Wolves.
The upcoming match marks the return of Brennan Johnson to Forest following his £47.5 million move to Tottenham. Cooper acknowledged Johnson's threats on the pitch, stating, "We know Brennan's obvious threats, and we have to deal with him being on the pitch in a different way than what we have been used to."
Despite the personal connection, Cooper emphasised that Johnson is now an opponent, and Forest must focus on addressing all threats posed by Tottenham in the upcoming game.
