Steve Cooper sends warning to Nottingham Forest fans on Premier League survival

28 October 2023 , 10:49

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Steve Cooper admits Nottingham Forest still have a long way to go to establish themselves in the Premier League again (Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has warned fans that it will take time for the club to become a mainstay in the Premier League.

"This season's not going to be easy," he said, adding that "Anyone who thinks it will be is wrong. We don't have that mentality. It takes years to become an established club and this is only our second season back."

Despite a difficult start to their second campaign in the top flight, Cooper remains optimistic about the future, but he admitted: "It's a rocky road. Look at Brighton in their first few years back, and look at where they are now. We hope we can do that, but it takes time."

Cooper also acknowledged the need for improvement behind the scenes. "There's a lot of change with the idea of trying to improve. But it doesn't just happen. It'll take time to be the club we want to be."

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool, Cooper reflected on Forest's improved performance this season, especially on the road. "Some of our performances have been good, but when we don't win, you can't say they've been great. There's been an improvement from last season." he said.

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However, he admitted that playing at Anfield is a significant challenge. "I was at Liverpool on Thursday for the Europa League game, and going to Anfield is a challenge in itself. It's right up there as being as tough as it can get for a Premier League game. We need to commit to being perfect on the day."

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Darren Wells