Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has received a clear message over the future of Steve Cooper following links to former Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelino Garcia Toral.
Reports in Spain claim that the manager has ‘turned down’ an offer from Forest to "immediately" replace Cooper at the helm. It is said that the Spanish coach only wanted to take on a new role at the end of the season.
Cooper is a popular figure among Forest fans, with the Welshman leading the club to the Premier League for the first time in over 20 years last season. He has found his job at the City Ground under pressure at times this season, but was given a new contract back in October.
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The manager has also been linked with other Premier League clubs, but has reaffirmed his commitment to Forest. His aim to keep the club safe from relegation at the end of the season, the Reds are currently in 16th place, two points clear of the bottom three, although they are now six games without a win.
Following the reports over Cooper’s future, Forest fans took to social media to give their reaction, with many sending a clear message to the club’s hierarchy.
Panks : I'd rather go down with Cooper (and stick with him next season) than stay up with someone else this season. We owe Cooper that.
SmithsDisco : Don't know how many times the ownership are going to need to hear this but if we're going down I'd rather it be with Cooper at the helm.
CityGroundShelf : Ownership have spent all season holding there nerve. What on earth would be the point in this now? Burn bridges with fans. Create a more hostile environment at games. Just leave SC to it now & what will be, will be!
Thomas Payne : Hopefully nonsense. Worrying.
T.O.M : Hope this isn’t true.
Paul Buttery : This might be true but if it is then it’s panic from Forest imo. Marcelino has a couple of good seasons ie Villarreal and Valencia and then the players stop working for him. He’s very intense and demanding and it’s his way or no way and players banished if they don’t buy in.
JC32 : Literally no point in a change now. We lose the next 2 I don’t think anyone would necessarily keep us up. Might as well give Cooper till the season is over. Hopefully he’ll be using this week with what players he’s got left to try something different.
Cam : Cooper I’d trust to take us back up so keep him regardless.
Dan Armstrong : Even if we go down I wouldn’t get rid.
What are your thoughts on the links with Marcelino? Tell us in the comments section
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