Video: Chris Cohen defends Fawaz Al-Hasawi’s decision
Forest captain Chris Cohen says he was sad to see Dougie Freedman sacked but defended Fawaz Al-Hasawi after the chairman faced criticism from some fans on social media.
Nottingham Forest fans were tweeting in their hundreds after the decision on Sunday – with some questioning the decision to relieve Freedman of his duties.
We know that we can beat anyone but we can’t just keep saying it
Cohen said: “It’s always shocking when a manager goes but we have to crack on. Our run of form hasn’t really been good enough and the players have to take a lot of responsibility for that. We’ve said that today between ourselves.
“Dougie came in with a tough job and an embargo and he steadied the ship really but the last six games or so we haven’t been anywhere near good enough and it’s down to us players to get out of this hole.”
Freedman was sacked on Sunday after a 3-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
Cohen believes the side are capable of beating anyone in the league on their day and it’s their job to do it at the first available opportunity – against Hull City on Tuesday night.
He said: “We know that we can beat anyone but we can’t just keep saying it, we need to actually get out there and do it. The whole squad is fantastic and we’ll all be fighting for places.
“You look at other teams like Watford who have lost managers and then gone on to get promoted.
“They’re now in the semi-final of the FA Cup and in the top half of the Premier League so it can be done.”
TEAM NEWS:
Forest will be without Nelson Oliveira for the rest of the season and with Federico Macheda’s international clearance still in the balance, Chris O’Grady is likely to lead the line again for the Reds.
Changes are expected to be made after a poor showing on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.
Oliver Burke, Robert Tesche and Tyler Walker will all be pushing for a return to the side but will have to wait and see what approach Williams will take.
