Loic Bade has claimed that he understands and respects why Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper never played him.
In quotes transcribed from AS by Sport Witness, the man who spent the first half of the season at the City Ground has discussed his time at the club.
Forest boss Cooper didn’t pick him once. He only actually made a matchday squad on one occasion and was unused in the away defeat at Wolves.
As a result, it was mutually agreed that Forest would cancel the player’s loan in January and send him back to Rennes.
From there he was sent to Sevilla and in La Liga, he’s really kicked on and recently scored to help his team knock Manchester United out of the Europa League.
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Although disappointed, Bade does understand why Cooper chose not to pick him at Forest.
He told AS, via Sport Witness: “It was the coach’s responsibility He had other preferences in his choices, and I respected him.
“I don’t know what would have happened because I didn’t get the chance to play, but I’ll take the fact that I’m important here and now.
“(Now) it could be the best moment of my career. Also, in a stretch with Lens. And a few months ago, it was one of the worst. In football, there are moments that change, but it’s clear that the last few months have been very good.
“I’ve even managed to score important goals, like the one against Manchester United.”
Bade understands why Cooper never picked him at Forest
The centre-back simply has to be filed under bizarre and unnecessary when judging his time at the City Ground.
He was added on transfer deadline day in August and it was anticipated that he’d provide the defensive unit with an injection of pace.
Ultimately, Forest fans will never know what Bade might have added to the squad as they never got to see him in action.
Still, he’s moved on now and in Felipe and Moussa Niakhate, Forest have a very solid defensive partnership.
Bade is enjoying his football and given that he’s only 23, perhaps this is one that Forest will rue getting away from them.