Steve Cooper says Saturday’s recreation with Liverpool is a reminder of why Nottingham Forest have been so determined to get again within the huge time.
Forest host Liverpool on the City Ground in a repeat of their first dwelling fixture within the Premier League in 1992, when Teddy Sheringham’s objective gave them a 1-0 win.
It has been 23 lengthy years because the Anfield membership have visited within the league as Forest meandered within the second and third tier.
Boss Cooper was the person to carry them again up final season and says Saturday lunchtime’s recreation is their reward.
“Liverpool is a huge test, there’s no doubt about that,” he mentioned. “Whenever and wherever you play them that doesn’t change. We are fully aware of that.
“Where we are at the moment in the league and with results, we have got to take it one game at a time and look at it in isolation.
“They are one of the biggest threats in the league. Amazing club, great manager, great players. I don’t pay any attention to if there is ever a good or bad time to play them.
“It’s a brilliant test. These are the games that the club has longed for, for so many years, we should remember that and if we can bear that in mind we will create a really good atmosphere, which is normal anyway, and that can help us on the day.”
Liverpool is a membership Cooper is aware of properly as he labored as a youth coach there for six years and is wanting ahead to arising in opposition to Jurgen Klopp once more, having gone toe-to-toe in final season’s FA Cup quarter-final.
“I have massive respect and admiration for him, I do for every manager, it’s a unique role, Jurgen is miles more experienced than me in terms of years in the job and games, then you look at his success,” he mentioned.
“I know Liverpool fairly well because I spent time there as a younger coach, there are high demands.
“He has had great success so we are looking forward to coming up against one of his teams. In the end when it comes to the matchday we have to be more focused on ourselves.”
Harry Toffolo will miss the sport with a hamstring harm picked up within the 0-0 draw with Brighton, whereas Lewis O’Brien continues to be battling an sickness.
Source: www.impartial.co.uk