Nottingham Forest coach, Steve Cooper, says his side must find the right balance in respecting Manchester City’s strengths and believing in themselves ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Reds have had more time to prepare for the clash with the Premier League Champions, as City were involved in the UEFA Champions League this week, while Nottingham last played on Monday in a one-all draw with Burnley.
In the reverse fixture last season, City defeated Nottingham, but with Nottingham’s talismanic forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, involved in at least a goal in his last ten games, the forty-three-year-old’s side look to mount a challenge this weekend.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Welshman acknowledges the strength of Pep Guardiola’s troops, but reveals that his team will be at their best in Manchester.
“You have to go there with ambition, you have to go there with confidence and a mentality to be at your best. There has to be a balance. You have to respect how good they are, but you also have to continue to believe in yourself,” Cooper told the club’s official website.
The Pontypridd-born manager recognized how tough playing against the League Champions can be, as they’re currently top of the league, and remain unbeaten.
“All I’m doing is recognising the level of Manchester City and what they’ve achieved, the trophies they won last season and the status of Pep Guardiola who is certainly an inspiration to me, but I also go there believing in my team.”
Manchester City boss, Josep Guardiola also commented ahead of the game during his side’s mid-week outing. He said:
”Next, we face Nottingham Forest, two-time Champions League winners. They have one more than us, so it’ll be a tough fixture.”
Nottingham Forest will be without Danilo and Serge Aurier, as they’re out injured, meanwhile, Willy Boly is on course with his recovery and could be in line to face the Cityzens.