Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi will urge his team not to lose focus when they take to the City Ground pitch for their first matchday without the Reds faithful in attendance.
Huddersfield Town are the visitors on Sunday as Forest return home for the first time since the Championship’s restart, with the game taking place behind closed doors.
But while the crowd will be absent, there is no question their backing remains.
Supporters’ group Forza Garibaldi have decked out the stadium with giant banners, flags have been dropped off and life-sized cardboard cutouts of fans placed in the stands.
And as his side look to get back to winning ways, following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, that dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Reds head coach.
“I am just asking for more focus from the players on the single details from the first until the last minute,” Lamouchi said.
“I was at the City Ground to see the banners and flags and I do not have any doubt about the support from the fans.
“Here, probably more than any other place, they are behind the players, behind the club and behind anyone who is part of this club - just because they are real fans, in a good moment and a bad moment.
“This year, I have been really surprised about the support of the fans in England, and especially at the City Ground.”
Heading into the final eight games, Forest are fifth in the table, with a 10-point gap to the top two.
The Terriers, meanwhile, sit a point above the relegation zone.
“We have to think about the performance, about the quality and how we can disturb them,” Lamouchi said.
“We need to just focus on us; focus on the single details and play with quality.
“We need a massive performance for the best result.
“We need to start in the right way, all be very concentrated and focused, and everyone gives their maximum for the team, with quality.
“This week, there are a lot of interesting games.
“But the most important thing is Sunday against Huddersfield, at 2.15pm. We need to do the best performance for the best result.
“Whatever the result should be, we just need to be happy at the end with the three points.”
A change to the rules to accommodate the unique circumstances of Project Restart allows managers to make five substitutions in a game.
“It’s a good thing, but it’s also a dangerous thing because you can change almost half your team,” Lamouchi said. “It is not easy.
“But I think it was logical, to help the players and the managers, to make different changes.”
Striker Nuno Da Costa was one of those brought on at Hillsborough, for only his second appearance since making the move from Strasbourg in January.
He was sidelined with injury before the season was suspended, and Lamouchi says he has also taken time to adapt to English football.
“He is getting better and better,” said the Frenchman. “I’m sure he will help us.
“Now, after a few months of adaptation, he is ready to give his maximum for the team.”
