Video: Montanier on working with the players during the international break
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier said that he has enjoyed the opportunity ‘to work more’ with his players during the international break.
The Reds play Birmingham at the City Ground tomorrow (Friday October 14) at 7.45pm and Montanier thinks the added training time that Forest have had has been good for refining tactics and improving the fitness of his squad.
He also said that the game being on a Friday night does not change his approach to preparing to pick up all three points.
I think we can do better by being focused for the whole game
Speaking about facing Birmingham, Montanier said: “I don’t see an easy game in the Championship; Birmingham are a very strong team, powerful and they have good momentum.
“They’re very good in defence but it’s always the same – it’s tough but we have no choice to do everything to win this game because we need points.
“We’ve been working on our defensive problems this week and I think we can do better by being focused for the whole game.”
Video: Montanier on his relationship with Fawaz Al-Hasawi
Montanier has said that he has a good relationship with Fawaz following the departure of director of football Pedro Pereira after spending just over three months at the club.
Montanier said: “I have to respect his decision and I had a good working relationship with Pereira.
“While the transfer window is closed it is not an urgent situation and we will see with the chairman what the future organisation will be.
“I’m still focused on my job as it still comes down to me to choose the right players.”
Video: Montanier on his plan to deal with his touchline ban
Britt Assombalonga and Daniel Pinillos are back in training but are both still working on their match fitness.
Matty Fryatt is still out with an Achilles injury but is hopeful that specialist treatment will help him make a return soon.
Birmingham City’s Clayton Donaldson is expected to be fit for the match after having an injection in an Achilles injury.
Robert Tesche picked up a knock in training this week and is unlikely to feature against his former club.
Nottingham Forest’s record v Birmingham
Played: 110
Won: 40
Drawn: 32
Lost: 38
The last time the two sides met was on January 12 as the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground in the Sky Bet Championship.
Birmingham’s Jon Toral scored the opener in the 24th minute before Matt Mills cancelled that out by netting in the 30th; both teams were unable to find the net again for the next hour.
Forest won the reverse fixture 1-0 at St. Andrews earlier last season on September 15 2015; Dexter Blackstock netted in the 54th minute to earn all three points for the Reds.
