Sabri Lamouchi has made a fantastic start to life at Nottingham Forest after taking over from Martin O’Neill in June as manager of the club.
The Reds are currently sat in the play-off positions in the Championship. Not only that, but they are just five points off league leaders West Bromwich Albion with a game in hand.
Lamouchi has made many positives changes since arriving at the City Ground.
One of the main differences between Lamouchi and O’Neill is their style of football. Lamouchi has introduced an exciting brand of football which has entertained supporters, as well as getting results.
He has also built up a relationship with the supporters which many previous managers have failed to do.
There’s no doubt that the side he has built seems different. They have a lot of grit and determination about them which has seen them pick up results when not at their best this season.
Grit
When the Reds have taken the lead this season, they’ve only failed to win on one occasion. This was against West Brom on the opening day of the season.
This goes to show how tough it is to get the better of Lamouchi’s men once they’ve taken the lead. They have already recorded five single-goal victories in all competitions this season.
Critics may say that this makes the Reds not the best side to watch, but no-one at the City Ground could care less what people outside of the club think. It’s impossible to achieve promotion to the Premier League without being strong at the back.
This ability to keep hold of a lead and keep clean sheets is an unusual trait for the Reds. They have historically struggled with both aspects.
You only have to look back at last season under the management of Aitor Karanka when the Reds let a three-goal lead slip at Norwich City, to realise how much Lamouchi has improved the defence.
If the Reds can keep this record up, they’ve got a great chance of at least securing a play-off place this season.
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