Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi hasn’t been afraid to pick the brains of some of his senior players during his first season in English football.
Since arriving at the City Ground in June, the Frenchman has proved to be a fast learner, quickly adapting to the unique challenge of the Championship.
He has guided the Reds to fifth in the table with 13 games remaining, as they find themselves firmly in the promotion mix.
And midfielder Ben Watson says Lamouchi has looked to soak up as much knowledge as possible, with the likes of himself, Michael Dawson and Lewis Grabban all on hand to help.
“He’s been amazing. Not just for myself but for the club as well,” Watson said of the Forest head coach.
“From the moment he walked in in pre-season, you could tell he’s just got that way about him.
“He loves the game. It’s his first job in England, so he’s always willing to learn and speak to people who have been playing in the country for a long time.
“He takes it all on board.
“It’s not just him, it’s the staff he brought in with him, too. They have a great relationship with the players, and the players take that on to the pitch.
“He’s come in and really leaned on the senior boys - people like myself, Daws, Grabbs.
“His office is always open, letting us have a chat and letting us know what he feels and what we feel as well.
“It works both ways, and long may that continue.”
Lamouchi isn’t the only one who has had to rapidly find his feet.
Players like Samba Sow, Brice Samba, Tiago Silva and Yuri Ribeiro all made the move to the City Ground in the summer without prior experience of English football, but have comfortably made the transition.
“I think you have to be quick learners in this league,” Watson added.
“You can’t have four, five, six, seven games of easing yourself in. It’s one of those leagues where once you’re in it, you’re at it full blast. You’ve got to be, because if you’re not, you get punished.”
