‘It’s the first time’: Charlie McParland can’t believe what he saw Forest do last week

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Charlie McParland can’t believe what he saw Nottingham Forest do last week. The man who previously worked at the City Ground as a coach was quizzed on last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City.

The Reds slipped to a 2-0 defeat to last season’s treble-winners. Phil Foden and Erling Haaland scored inside the first 14 minutes and that was enough to ensure victory.

Rodri was sent off in the second half and that gave Forest the impetus to make a fist of things. The Reds were spirited in the second half and they really took the game to City.

McParland shocked at something Forest did last week

It did make a nice change for Forest to have more of the ball. Against a solid team like City, it proved hard for the Reds to break them down but it was a refreshing change of pace.

Forest have to build on last weekend’s game against Manchester City. McParland was happy – and surprised – to see the Reds have so much of the ball last weekend

He told Team Talk: “You look at the game and it was quite tactical and Forest set up how they’d normally set up away from home. They conceded a couple of goals but City on their day they’re the best in the world.

“In the second half, the lad gets sent off and it’s the first time I’ve seen Nottingham Forest play with possession in the Premier League I think since they came back up.

“But, they only had one shot. There’s no point in having all that possession and not having shots. Forest fans are happy because they only got beat 2-0.”

Forest must try and dictate more

It’s no secret that some fans would like Forest to dictate more. Last season, the Reds were a counter-attacking team and with a better squad, the team should be more fluid.

However, that won’t happen overnight. McParland was surprised at Forest last week and clearly, he’d like the team to have more of the ball on a more consistent basis.

Hopefully, Cooper can work on this aspect in training. Last season saw him switch from a style of football that he normally favours and fans will hope that the Reds can dictate games more often this season.