Fans of Nottingham Forest have been reacting on social media to Sabri Lamouchi’s post-match comments, in which the Frenchman discusses Forest’s 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough on Monday night.
Forest, who have been performing well above their pre-season expectations so far this season, went into the match knowing that a win against relegation-threatened Middlesbrough would close the gap to second-placed Leeds United to six points.
However, after taking the lead through a Ryan Yates finish in the 29th minute, Forest found themselves 2-1 down at the break, after two quickfire Middlesbrough goals turned the match on its head.
The Reds did manage to salvage a point from the match, thanks to Lewis Grabban’s 17th goal of the season in the 86th minute, however, Forest’s failure to defeat a side 18 places below them in the table now leaves them eight points behind second-placed Leeds.
Following the disappointing result, Sabri Lamouchi stated: “I think we are happy with this point but just the point because the way we played, I am not totally satisfied. It was a bad game, a bad performance and I am a little bit upset because the expectation was bigger.”
In reaction to their manager’s comments, Forest fans have taken to Twitter, and while some praised the 48-year-old for his honesty, others stated their belief that his tactics were not bold enough to win the fixture.
? “I think we are happy with this point but just the point because the way we played, I am not totally satisfied. It was a bad game, a bad performance and I am a little bit upset because the expectation was bigger." #NFFC
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 2, 2020
This is why i love him. Says it how it is
— Kieran (@nffckieran_) March 2, 2020
The honesty from this man is something you don’t get from many managers, no excuses. He takes the blame he says it how it is
— Owen (@NFFC_owen) March 2, 2020
Keeps saying the right things but then keeps setting us up to play counter attack or hoofball. Too predictable and easy to prepare for. Would love to see some more ambition with the ball, keep it and move it fast through teams when gaps open. Good position but need a run of wins.
— TheRealCalculator (@real_calculator) March 3, 2020
Not bold enough boss. No regrets please, we’re so close. Really need to start grabbing these kind of games by the scruff of the neck and attack instead of constantly countering. 70 mins for Carvalho to come on was too long. We’d have won if changes were made at halftime #nffc
— Dave Ball (@d_p_ball) March 2, 2020
At least he is honest but seriously what is wrong with playing Carvalho? Especially when silva is out
— Ewan (@ewan1865) March 2, 2020
Awful point. Awful last 5 games apart from Cardiff
— Antonio (@Antonio13111275) March 3, 2020
Don’t keep starting Yates then matey and play those with more attacking ability instead, the likes of bostock and that Portuguese fella who wears no.10.
Cheers— 18.7 (@fisher0115) March 2, 2020
What do we think?
Lamouchi has highly impressed since taking over at Nottingham Forest, with the club currently in fourth place on 60 points, just six fewer than they achieved in the entirety of last season when they finished ninth.
However, looking over Forest’s last six fixtures, it is apparent that they struggle against lower league opposition in comparison to sides higher up the table, as although the Reds have defeated Leeds 2-0, taken a point at West Brom and beaten Cardiff, they have also lost at home to Charlton, failed to beat QPR, and drawn with Middlesbrough.
This is something that Lamouchi will need to address quickly if he and his team are to have any hope of automatic promotion this season, with just 10 games remaining this season.