Video: Montanier is focused on improving Forest’s form on the pitch
Forest manager Montanier has said that he and the squad are solely focused on performing on the pitch as the Reds host QPR on Saturday (November 5) at 3pm.
Off the pitch, Chairman Fawaz-Al Hasawi published a statement today (Friday November 4) saying that a takeover deal is ‘six to eight weeks away.’
On the pitch, Montanier is looking for an upturn in Forest’s fortunes after having lost 2-0 last weekend to Reading, meaning the Reds have picked up one win in their last 11 games in all competitions.
Forest sit in 20th in the Sky Bet Championship just one point above the relegation zone after 15 games.
We are more worried about the next game
When asked if he was receiving any update on what is happening with the chairman before Fawaz issued his statement, Montanier said: “Everybody like me wants to be focused on the pitch.
“After the defeat to Reading, we are more worried about the next game and it has no influence as that is not something I can control.
“We have talked more about QPR’s play this week and have not been pre-occupied with off field matters.”
Video: Britt Assombalonga on taking positives from Reading game and fitness
Forest striker Britt Assombalonga has been called up to the Republic of Congo squad for a friendly and has said he wants to play.
It is unclear which games he will miss for Forest.
However speaking about Forest’s performances, Assombalonga said: “We created 21 chances against Reading and in the next one we could score three of those.
“I know how to manage my fitness now and I feel good.
“I’ve got to be good with my body and I need to know when I need to train and when not to train and am focusing on that to be ready for Saturday.”
Thomas Lam and Hildeberto Pereira return from suspension for the game tomorrow.
Jack Hobbs, Michael Mancienne, Daniel Pinillos, David Vaughan, Nicklas Bendtner, Mustapha Carayol and Matt Cash all remain out for the Reds.
Nottingham Forest’s record against QPR
Played: 63
Won: 28
Drawn: 20
Lost: 15
The last time the two teams met was in the Sky Bet Championship at the City Ground on January 26 where a 0-0 draw was played out.
The sides met earlier in the month in the third round of the FA Cup, with the Reds prevailing with a 1-0 win thanks to a first half goal from Jamie Ward.
The reverse fixture in the Championship at Loftus Road on September 12 2015 saw the Reds run out 2-1 winners.
Charlie Austin scored first for the home side before goalkeeper Robert Green was sent off; Henri Lansbury converted the resulting penalty and Castro Oliveira netted to secure all three points for Forest.
The forecast for the game on Saturday is cloudy with sunny spells; temperatures will peak at seven degrees Celsius.
