Steve Evans is not a man to mince his words and is one who definitely says what is on his mind when the need arises. So it comes as no shock that his recent comments on Nottingham Forest’s tactics has been noted by the Nottingham Post.
Evans’ press conferences really are a column writer’s dream with at least one worthy ‘soundbite’ being delivered that can form the basis of an article, report or opinion piece. It seems like the Leeds United head coach has been at it again with a slight jibe about the way that Dougie Freedman set up his team when Leeds and Forest fought out a 1-1 draw.
After the game, Forest boss Dougie Freedman said that it was his choice of tactics to allow Leeds United the majority of possession and control of the ball, his Forest side then picking Leeds off on counter-attacks. Picking on this whilst speaking to Leeds’ in-house media channel LUTV, Evans couldn’t resist a dig at December’s tactics from Freeman saying, “It was an interesting tactic that day by Dougie, that they were going to allow Leeds United to have all the ball. I’ve never heard of that tactic. So that was an interesting one. We’ll perhaps need to see if that’s the same tomorrow.”
However, Evans isn’t without praise for the Forest side and Freedman’s set-up – despite the dominance that he says the Whites had over their opponents back in December. Speaking of the players that Freedman has brought in to strengthen the side, Evans is quite complimentary at Freedman’s efforts saying, “It will be tough. They’ve signed some good players. The boy Gardner makes them evidently strong, the boy Tesche makes them really stronger in the middle of the park. He had a terrific loan spell at Birmingham last season when Dougie bombed him out. He’s resurrected himself back there, but he’s a good player. They’re a good side full of good options.
Forest arrive at Elland Road for today’s game in 11th place in the Chamionship table and bring with them a 12-game unbeaten run whilst Leeds find themselves in 15th place and only 3 points behind today’s opponents.
