Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo enjoyed a dream start to life on loan at Coventry City on Saturday. He scored twice as the Sky Blues defeated Oxford United 2-0 in their latest pre-season clash.
Afterwards, instead of a pat on the back, he received a bit of a warning from boss Mark Robins and it seems as though the central defender has some work to get through.
Panzo was allowed to join Coventry by the Reds head coach Steve Cooper. He signed him in January from Dijon but there is one eye on the future when it comes to the player.
The 21-year-old did make one appearance for Forest last season. He played in the final game of the season clash against Hull and looked comfortable throughout the clash.
Panzo has now been granted a loan move. He should play several games in the Championship but Robins has warned him that he needs to get busy on the training pitch.
He told Coventry Live: “He obviously scored the two goals from set plays, which was brilliant. Jonathan is a great asset but he’s still way off in terms of his fitness, as you saw.
“He’s got everything in his locker – he’s got the pace, he’s athletic and he’s really good on the ball. His endeavour is always there.”
Dream start enjoyed by Panzo and he should star at Coventry
On paper, this looks like a great move for Panzo. Coventry are a club that constantly try to play the right way and in Robins, they have themselves an astute manager.
Panzo simply needs to play football. Given his tender age, there really is no substitute for regular action and he just wouldn’t get that over the next 12 months at Forest.
The talented defender could really take flight at Coventry. Robins typically utilises three central defenders and naturally, that makes it a perfect loan for Forest.
Panzo will get plenty of game time in a system that’s not too dissimilar to the one that Cooper deploys.
That can only bode well for the future and should give him confidence ahead of his return next summer.
For now, Panzo needs to get fit! If not, Robins might be on his case again in the future.