Nottingham Forest owner Evangelios Marinakis is being praised for publicly supporting manager Steve Cooper in a rare post-match interview after the club secured a Premier League spot.
It has been a tough campaign for the Reds, who have been drawn to relegation for major feats.
But on Saturday afternoon, Forest put on one of their best performances of the season against Arsenal, when a first-half goal from high-form striker Taiwo Awoniyi sealed a well-deserved 1-0 win. .
After the final whistle, owner Marinakis could be seen embracing manager Steve Cooper, who is said to have struggled to win his job in March. In fact, he even held "crisis talks" about his future at the City Ground. Advertisement
Evangelios Marinakis gave the season to Steve Cooper. He gave financial support to the club. He deserves all of this. THANK. #NFFC
pic.twitter.com/6ywwauWSCQ
– Callum Castel (@callumcasteln) May 20, 2023
Two months later, the decision to support Cooper has paid off. In fact, in his post-match interview, Greek boss Marinakis talked about that situation in front of Sky Sports' cameras.
Marinakis said: “Every team, without exception, with the exception of Nottingham Forest, the teams that did not perform well changed coaches, even twice. “Changing coaches is a very serious decision.
“I think I supported him as much as I could and to be honest, to change coaches you have to bring in someone better. You have to bring in someone better and ready at the time. Advertisement
“I think I made a wise decision and I support Steve although, of course, a lot of times you may agree, you may disagree.
"We are very happy, we are celebrating and now we have time to seriously plan again and in the end we are the winners."
You can watch the full post-match interview below:
'We are happy, we will celebrate... at the end of the day, we are the winners'
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelios Marinakis says he made the wise decision to support and stick with Steve Cooper pic.twitter.com/oud56sq5Iu
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2023
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After her gesture was broadcast, many fans praised Marinakis on social networks.
One fan said:
"Play fair so he doesn't panic and be realistic about the club and the situation Forest is in. They are always competing to survive, he doesn't panic and fire the coach like everyone else does. , he supported Cooper and received the award."
Another person wrote:
“Perhaps I had different opinions about Steve Cooper and Forest after the failed transfer earlier this year, but that's okay. It's not every day that the owners of a football club go out and support their manager, let alone give an interview. Quite refreshing actually."
A third person commented:
"What a guy! I can see him at times struggling with his will to change. However, he believes in the loyalty of the woods and the unity Cooper has forged. paid off and we're together more than ever."
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The fourth added:
"He's a boss who's always been supportive of the team and sees a long-term vision. It's refreshing to have someone who isn't in a hurry to pull the trigger to turn his head. Now we have time to prepare. I think we deserve to be in this tournament and we can create a stable place for ourselves in the tournament."
Jamie Carragher even joined the conversation saying:
"It's a pleasure for Steve Cooper and Nottingham Forest to secure a spot in the Premier League for another year. The great atmosphere at Man City has kept them fit.
"Thank you also boss for not finding a replacement for the boss!!!!!!!"
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