Steve Cooper has clarified his working relationship with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, stating the Greek businessman never interfered with team selection or tactics. The former head coach, who led the club back to the Premier League, said Marinakis was demanding but always respected his authority on football matters.
Cooper made the comments while working as a pundit for Sky Sports this week. "He was demanding, particularly after losses, but he never interfered with team selection or game plans, and I wouldn’t hear from him before games really," Cooper said. He described their relationship as one built on honesty, adding that Marinakis is a winner who might offer an opinion after a match, which Cooper sees as his prerogative.
Cooper’s emotional connection
Cooper spoke passionately about his time at the City Ground. He said that connection between the team, fans and Nottingham was vital in handling the club's first season back in the top flight. The Welshman reflected that building belief was a fundamental early step, acknowledging the significant challenge of stepping up from the Championship, which he called the biggest jump in world football.
A lasting legacy
Cooper was appointed in September 2021, replacing Chris Hughton, and masterminded an unforgettable promotion campaign. He then guided a squad bolstered by 22 summer signings to top-flight survival the following season, a feat he kept them on course for until his dismissal in December 2023. He praised players like Morgan Gibbs-White, noting that some who were important then remain key figures now.
Marinakis, who took over the club in 2017, has a visible presence but Cooper's remarks challenge certain perceptions about his involvement. The owner's pitch-side actions, including a confrontation with current boss Nuno Espirito Santo last season, often fuel discussion about his style.
Cooper's reflections come as Forest handle a tricky start to the current campaign. The team sits 15th in the Premier League standings with five points from six matches, having lost their last two games including a 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. Their recent form, with just one win in the last five, has seen them concede 12 goals while scoring only 7, according to the latest stats. They face a tough test next, hosting second-placed Arsenal at the City Ground this weekend, a fixture that will test a defence that has been breached for 8 goals in the first 360 minutes of play. Fans can check the full schedule for this and other key matches on our fixtures page.
More detail at nottinghamforest.news
