Latest Nottingham Forest news as Reds bid to end run of three Premier League defeats

Nottingham Forest do not have long to wait for an opportunity to bounce back from a third successive Premier League defeat.

It has been a frustrating run for Oliver Glasner’s side, no more so than in Sunday’s 1-0 reverse at home to Arsenal. Plenty of pundits gave the Reds little hope against the champions but they were left frustrated to come away empty-handed in the end.

Missed chances proving costly is the story of Forest’s season so far. They head to Ipswich Town on Friday hoping the tide will finally turn.

It has not been the start to the campaign the club were hoping for but head coach Glasner remains convinced they are on the right track. Ahead of this week’s clash at Portman Road, the Nottingham Post takes a look at the latest goings-on at the City Ground.

Make sure you never miss the latest Nottingham Forest news and opinion by making the Nottingham Post one of your Google preferred sources.

‘Deer in headlights’

Striker Liam Delap has been urged to relax and mix up his game to ease the Reds’ goalscoring woes. The £45 million summer signing from Chelsea put in an impressive performance against the Gunners but was unable to add to the one goal he has to his name so far this term.

Pundit Troy Deeney wants to see Delap offer more in the Garibaldi. He believes the forward has been lacking a bit of composure in key moments for Forest.

"He's got a lot of work to do, Liam Delap," Deeney said on talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access podcast. "I'm a big fan of Liam Delap as a human but my God, you can't just keep going, 'I'm big, I'm going to run through people'. You need a little bit more class, a little bit more touch, and also be calmer in front of goal.

"I don't know what more confidence these players need. You've gone to Chelsea so, naturally, you've been around better players, your skill level has risen from your time at Ipswich. But now, since he's gone to Forest, he looks like a deer in headlights.

"Every time he's in front of goal it's like he's tense and he's like, 'What am I going to do?' Relax, you've just been playing with really good players.

“He's missing big moments, maybe he needs that goal that goes in off his backside and then he's like, 'Right, we're off to races'. But right now, he needs to do a lot more. I don't think Forest are too far away from a couple of wins, but will he get that time with this manager?"

Keeper eyed

With the January transfer window fast approaching, the Reds have once again been credited with an interest in Brazilian goalkeeper Otavio. The promising 20-year-old was linked with a switch to the City Ground in the summer and it seems he remains on the club’s radar.

According to German outlet Fussball News, Forest and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are “leading the serious pursuit” of the Cruzeiro stopper as they continue to “closely” monitor his situation. Porto, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are said to also be keeping tabs on him.

Reports in the summer suggested the Reds tried their luck with a €13 million (£11m) bid for Otavio. In response, Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro moved to extend his contract until 2031 and included a €100m (£84m) release clause in his deal, which would specifically apply to foreign clubs.

Despite that hefty figure, it is claimed an offer in the region of €25-30m (£21-25m) could be sufficient to tempt Cruzeiro into negotiations. However, they will not consider a sale in January unless a “lucrative” package including performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause is put forward.

Schlager settling

Since putting pen to paper in the summer, Xaver Schlager has made a starting spot his own Trentside. His midfielder partnership with James McAtee has been one of the positives of the opening months of the campaign - and the pair get on well off the pitch, too.

“I think we’re a good fit together,” Schlager said. “We also talk off the pitch quite a lot, and I’ve found that we have a good combination.

“He’s a very good player, very calm and great on the ball. His technical ability is amazing, and there is so much I can learn from him and, likewise, I think there’s a lot he can take from me.”

After a ropey start to his Forest career against Leeds United, Schlager has quickly adjusted to life in English football. He particularly appreciates the recognition given to the defensive side of a game.

“The fans make a lot of noise when you make a good tackle, which doesn’t happen in Germany - the noise comes over when you score, not when you defend,” he said in an interview for the club’s matchday programme. “But I like this. I think we have a great stadium, great fans and a great atmosphere.

“Before the game starts, the song rings around the stadium; it’s amazing and it’s so loud. You can really feel the traditions of the club. You get a lot of energy from the stands, which is completely different, and there is a different culture.”

Paying tribute

On Sunday, the City Ground paid an emotional tribute to young Reds fan James Kerry, who recently passed away at the age of nine after a brave fight against cancer. Morgan Gibbs-White, in particular, had forged a strong relationship with James and, although injured for the game, was on the touchline for a minute’s applause in remembrance of the youngster prior to kick-off against Arsenal.

Paying tribute in the matchday programme, Forest said: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of James Kerry, following his incredibly brave fight against cancer. Throughout his illness, James and Morgan shared a beautiful friendship, which meant so much to everyone at the club.

“James will be remembered with great fondness and will be deeply missed by us all. Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies are with James’ parents, Paul and Katie, and his younger brother, Freddie, as they come to terms with their heartbreaking loss.”

Glasner said: “Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting James, I quickly learned of his courage after joining the club and of the close bond he had forged with our players, particularly Morgan. On behalf of all the players and staff, our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies are with James’ family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”