Nottingham Forest head coach Aitor Karanka has told the Nottingham Post that his attackers could be amazing if they are courageous enough to play with freedom.
Forest have spent a lot of money this summer as they look to push for promotion this season. A lot of that cash has gone on bringing in strikers and attack-minded players with the likes of Lewis Grabban, Hillal Soudani, Gil Dias, Joao Carvalho and Diogo Goncalves all signing on the dotted line in recent weeks.
Plenty of talent has been shown in pre-season as they have scored eight goals in three games. That included five goals against Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps while they added another three against Malaga yesterday. However, the Forest team were not able to score in their 1-0 loss to Real Betis. Karanka believes these attacking players could be something special this year if they are courageous enough to play with freedom.
He said: “It is very different to last season, because the work we did on organisation was nice,”
“We were a difficult side to beat.”
“But now, when you have those options up front, it is easier. It will be difficult for me to pick the first XI and for the players who will be the attacking four.”
“All the players in attacking areas can play in different positions. I told them and I will continue to tell them that the players up front will all be free.”
“With their movement, we can be really dangerous.”
“I do not want the number 10 to feel as though he must always be number 10, I don’t want the number nine to feel as though he must always be there… I don’t want the wingers to stay out on the wings always.”
“I want them to come inside, I want the full-backs to push on… I like to have good movement, I like them to play with freedom and Hillal (Soudani) is one of those players who can play in a number of different positions. They can all do it.”
