Jurgen Klopp suggests how Nottingham Forest would have been more of a threat to Liverpool

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Nottingham Forest were thrashed by Liverpool yesterday and their boss Jurgen Klopp had some sympathy for Steve Cooper. The Reds were no match for the hosts as they kept up their impressive run of form.

Klopp has got Liverpool firing again during 2023/24. Last season was a bit of a drab one from their perspective and they didn’t qualify for the Champions League, missing out on the top four.

Forest managed to stay in the division last season. Right now, however, it’s looking like it’s going to be yet another season of struggle, with the Reds now winless in their last six Premier League games.

Klopp has sympathy with Cooper after Forest are thrashed

The sympathy from Klopp towards Forest head coach Cooper stems from the fact he couldn’t pick Chris Wood. The 31-year-old scored twice against Luton last weekend but he was ruled out yesterday with a hamstring problem.

The £15 million Wood was the only striker fit enough to start for Cooper. Taiwo Awoniyi did return to the bench but ultimately, he could only play the final half an hour, although the fact he did return is a little plus.

Klopp felt that Forest would have provided more of a threat had Wood been fit to start. He told BBC Sport after the game: “It was a good game and that’s what you need against an opponent that’s ready to make life difficult.

“I’m pretty sure Steve (Cooper) when he found out (Chris) Wood couldn’t play, I’m sure that wasn’t a good moment.

“With a proper striker and two quick wingers that would’ve caused us problems.”

Forest need Wood back quickly

Even with Awoniyi now fit and likely to be ready to start next Sunday against Aston Villa, strikers are in short supply on Trentside. The lack of forward options looks alarming and Forest have a tough run of fixtures to come.

Wood isn’t every supporter’s cup of tea but he does give his all. Last weekend, he deserved his two goals against Luton and in fairness to him, he probably should have finished the game with more.

The striker is going to be out for a little while, Cooper claimed yesterday. However, that seems a little inconclusive and hopefully, he can be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.