Unlocking Nottingham Forest's Success: Steve Cooper on Dynamic Leadership, Game-Changing Strategies, and the Essence of Beautiful Football

Steve Cooper is reminiscing about his first win as Nottingham Forest manager, which took place two years ago. Not only does he remember that the victory occurred at Oakwell against Barnsley, but he also recalls the team's impressive comeback from being behind to win the match 3-1.

What stands out in Cooper's memory is the penalty incident that allowed Barnsley to score. He also remembers the names of the goal scorers: Philip Zinckernagel, Brennan Johnson, and Lewis Grabban. Furthermore, he hasn't forgotten the players who provided the assists. Cooper specifically mentions that Alex Mighten set up the third goal with an incredible dribble.

Sitting in an office at The City Ground ahead of Forest's Premier League game against Brentford on Sunday, Cooper reflects on the past two years, highlighting the remarkable scale of change at this football club. Without a doubt, Cooper has played a pivotal role as the catalyst for this transformation.

The story of his transformation of Forest is widely known. He took charge of a team that was at the bottom of the Championship and facing the possibility of being relegated to the third tier. However, he ignited a change both on and off the field, leading the two-time European champions back to the top flight for the first time in this century.

His commitment to maintaining high standards is evident, and he does so with a sense of humility that deeply resonates with the club's supporters. It is truly disarming. When asked about his emotions as the club's manager, one might expect him to express a sense of pride, but instead, he surprises you with his overwhelming gratitude. The fans absolutely adore him.

Cooper frequently discusses his sense of responsibility and his determination not to disappoint others. He sees himself not only as a coach but also as a caretaker. It is hard to imagine anyone being more dedicated than him. Although this burden may be daunting, he strives to carry it with ease.

"I firmly believe in the importance of being a supportive leader," he remarks.

What is his intention with that statement?

"The behavior of a leader affects the entire team if they aren't putting in enough effort, displaying complacency, or lacking focus. If you observe someone who is being negative, moody, and cynical, it can influence others in a similar manner. Therefore, I contemplate on how I would like others to perceive me."

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Nottingham Forest fans have unwaveringly supported Steve Cooper, and he is not alone in this. "The staff and senior players are united, and we have a strong leadership group," they collaborate to establish a conducive environment. "This fosters the desired culture, characterized by openness and honesty, regardless of the outcome."

The mentality was pushed to its limits during the previous season. He had not faced such challenges in his two seasons at Swansea, his first experience in managing a club, where he managed to reach the Championship playoffs both times. His time at Forest during the remarkable first season was even less demanding, as he reflects, "We were victorious in many matches."

"Last season marked my initial encounter with enduring periods of defeat, which served as my first experience as a manager in handling adversity. I have extensively studied leadership, and a significant aspect of it entails managing challenging circumstances. These moments are pivotal for genuine growth and personal development." The takeaways from this experience were primarily based on logic. "One should never allow oneself to become excessively elated or despondent. The Premier League amplifies the limelight on individuals, hence it is crucial to remain true to oneself during such moments." However, Cooper also played a decisive role in instigating change.

Last season at this time, Forest was in the midst of a five-game losing streak that ended with a 4-0 loss to Leicester, making it seem highly possible that they would be relegated back to the Championship. However, Cooper decided to change their strategy and returned to a counter-attacking approach, which ended up yielding positive results.

"Coaching involves implementing your own beliefs, but it also requires living in the present moment and being adaptable. In today's game, teams often switch between different formations within a single match, finding success through various playing styles. Football has never been as dynamic as it is now."

"We aim to serve as an example of this, but as newcomers to the Premier League, we understand that part of our journey involves focusing on survival before we can truly flourish. Hence, we are relentlessly pursuing excellence, but on our own terms. However, we do possess a heartfelt ambition."

He hesitates to divulge the specifics of his long-term vision for that ambition. "For now, let me share the immediate objective. It involves assimilating these players into our team culture to extract their utmost potential. It's a daily training routine with individuals I only recently acquainted myself with."

At Cooper's Forest, change is a constant element. The previous season's signings, totaling 29, gained a significant amount of attention, and this trend has persisted during the recent summer. So far this season, Cooper has already employed 26 players across all competitions, with a noteworthy number of newcomers making their debut.

When he discusses Brentford's ongoing cohesion and the dynamics of their on-pitch relationships, it may seem as though he views it as a hindrance to his team, but he actually recognizes the importance of incorporating change. "We now have a diverse range of midfield players, offering greater variety and depth in strength."

The reality is that he has been compelled to become highly skilled in integrating players. The positive development for Forest is that the process is becoming more effortless due to the familiarity cultivated under Cooper, as valuable lessons are being absorbed. "We strive to be innovative," he elaborates.

For instance, when conducting a meeting and using the whiteboard, we now present the information in multiple languages. Our team is diverse, consisting of various nationalities, including Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers. This enables us to communicate our message effectively.

Moreover, some team members are rapidly improving their language skills, which is advantageous. "Danilo has made significant progress in English, which is commendable." On the other hand, players like Ibrahim Sangare, the talented midfielder recently acquired from PSV, are still at the initial stages of this language learning journey and would benefit from additional assistance.

When I speak, he may not hear it as clearly compared to when it is spoken in French. He will be seated between Willy Boly and Serge Aurier, and I am pleased to provide translations as it progresses. There will be Spanish being spoken in other areas. Our aim is to ensure that everyone understands.

It is advantageous to have a defined culture now. "We are aware of our identity and our approach to work, play, and training." Cooper's principles are unwavering. "The most effective way to incorporate individuals is by spending time with them. Communication and transparency hold great significance."

These are well-known catchphrases, a guiding principle that has propelled Forest back to the Premier League, sustained their position, and now, with a win against Brentford on Sunday, could elevate the club into the upper half of the Premier League standings. This is a tale of triumph. But don't mention it to the boss.

"Once you start believing you've made it, that's when you become complacent and things can take a turn for the worse," he advises.

With Steve Cooper around, there is no chance of that.

Watch Nottingham Forest vs Brentford live on We Premier League from 1pm on Sunday; kick-off 2pm