Nottingham Forest star Jesse Lingard has told The Diary of a CEO podcast that Steve Cooper does something to him that Jose Mourinho was keen on at Manchester United.
Lingard has done a remarkable interview with host and Dragons Den star Steven Bartlett. He’s opened up on everything from United, his home life and Forest.
The 30-year-old signed for the Reds on a free transfer during the summer transfer window. He chose to end a long-standing association with United and leave on a permanent basis.
Lingard has taken some time to settle at the City Ground. He is currently injured but has worked tirelessly throughout the campaign to put his stamp on the team.
The versatile player believes man management is key in the modern game and he’s lauded Forest head coach Cooper for a similar strategy to what Mourinho used.
He told The Diary of a CEO podcast: “Even in this day and age now, man management is important. Jose (Mourinho) used to facetime me just randomly. I’d be driving home and it’d be Jose just checking in.
“It’s little things like that. You know, Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest, he’ll ring me, have little conversations, checking that you’re alright.
“I think it’s so important. It shows they care.”
Lingard says Cooper does something that Mourinho did at United
This is interesting but absolutely no surprise whatsoever. The Reds boss couldn’t be held in any higher regard at the City Ground and Lingard’s comments are fascinating.
Man management in the modern game is massive. Cooper has that aspect nailed and that likely comes from years of managing younger players in academies.
Lingard is a brilliant bloke. He will finish his career as one of the most misunderstood men in football history and the fact he likes to have fun and be a footballer shouldn’t be viewed as a slight on him.
In the short term, Lingard is needed at Forest. Hopefully, his hamstring problem is on the mend and he can pick up where he left off prior to the injury striking.
If the Reds stay in the Premier League, they’d be wise to offer him a new contract, with Lingard showcasing he has years left ahead of him
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