Steve Cooper Tactics At Nottingham Forest 2022/2023 – What Can Be Expected From Their Long-Awaited Premier League Return?

After changing 20 managers in 22 seasons, Nottingham Forest finally achieved consistency with the mid-season arrival of Steve Cooper.

The new manager transformed the team into EFL Championship title contenders and secured their promotion to the Premier League for the first time since the 1998/99 campaign.

Cooper’s defensive tactics in the play-off against Huddersfield Town were decisive for their future.

The manager took advantage of the opposition’s own goal and minimised the risk-taking by instructing his team to focus on their actions off the ball, which eventually resulted in their promotion.

The club seems aware of the challenge of re-joining the top-tier, and have invested in a few new additions in an effort to strengthen the squad and make them more competitive.

One of the most talked about transfers is Jesse Lingard’s move from Manchester United, who can share his PL experience with his new teammates and support the team in attack.

The Tricky Trees have spent nearly €100M on new players, providing depth in multiple positions.

After an eventful pre-season, Nottingham’s first meeting as a Premier League team is against Newcastle United, who mainly focused on improving their defence in the current transfer window and will be hoping to start the season on a positive note as well.

In this tactical analysis piece in the form of a scout report, we examine how the Garibaldi might approach the new season and what their tactics are expected to be.

What do the new additions bring to the team?

As mentioned, Nottingham brought in multiple players who can fit the Premier League tempo and have some experience in the highest level of English football.

The team secured the goalkeeper position with Dean Henderson, who joined on loan from Manchester United, which is expected to improve their defensive performance and also be useful in possession.

The team focused mainly on improving their defensive line by signing a few players who can contribute to their back-three successfully, but also fulfil a full-back/wing-back role.

Moussa Niakhate is expected to start on the left of the defence where he will be able to support the team through his aerial abilities.

His height is not his only advantage.

He had achieved a high success rate in his ground duels last season with Mainz as well, and is also experienced in recovering the ball.

His eye for a good forward pass will be beneficial for the team as well.

His position is still under question as he and Scott McKenna could be quite interchangeable and it is yet to be decided who would play in the centre of the back-three.

Nottingham Forest have also signed Giulian Biancone who is expected to play on the right of the defence.