It was not the start to the season Nottingham Forest had hoped for as a flat performance saw them knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
The Reds were beaten 1-0 at Barnsley in their opening game of the new term - a repeat of the scoreline from their previous visit to Oakwell, only a few short weeks ago.
A number of the club’s summer signings were involved, and head coach Sabri Lamouchi is hopeful of doing more transfer business before next weekend’s first Championship clash, away to QPR.
Here’s what the Frenchman had to say after his side’s defeat to the Tykes.
What did you think of the performance?
“We started well; not so bad.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t create too much and we conceded a goal after many bounces inside the box - it was the small details again.
“It was not very positive to start like that, but at least they tried.
“Obviously we are not ready after just three weeks.
“It is not good to start the season like that, but we absolutely need to not accept losing, to change the mentality and to fight until the end; to try a little bit more.”
How do you think your new signings did?
“For me, nobody was 100 percent ready.
“The two centre-backs, Blackett and Tobias, played well, but it was not enough.
“For the others, of course, we need to work more and be ready for the next one.
“It is not a good preparation for the beginning of the season.
“It is not easy to go to QPR, but we will go there and try to disturb them a little bit more than we disturbed Barnsley.”
How do you think Jordan Gabriel did on his first start?
“For his first start, it was a decent performance.
“He made just one or two mistakes in the second half, but the first half was more or less perfect.
“He could have started with a goal, immediately after the kick-off.
“It was very positive.”
You were without a few key players today, are they injured?
“Silva is injured until the end of September.
“Samba Sow should be fit and ready for the next game, like Joe Lolley and Joe Worrall - I hope so.”
You’ve made six signings already, can we expect any more?
“Yes, of course.
“I am happy with the first signings, but of course we need to be stronger and just bring in players who can add value, with quality and the profile we identify for the team.”
Would you hope more business can be done before the QPR game?
“The club are working for that, so we will see.”
Could you still take some positives out of the game, ahead of the new Championship season?
“It was positive because we have made some good signings; we have some new faces.
“They will increase the quality - the likes of Luke Freeman, Jack Colback and Tyler Blackett, and of course Lyle Taylor.
“But they need to be ready to give us the maximum.
“It is difficult for all managers, for all squads and for all teams. I will not use it as an excuse.
“It is not the best start, but I hope we will be much better next week.”
