Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi has outlined a busy Christmas training programme for his players, as they look to get their Championship form back on track.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town made it five games without a win for the Reds, who have slipped to ninth in the table - three points adrift of the top six with a game in hand.
Their festive fixture list sees them make the trip to face Hull City on Boxing Day, before home games against Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, on December 29 and New Year’s Day, respectively.
After that, there is an FA Cup clash away to Chelsea on January 5, making it a hectic period in Forest’s season.
And it means there is little time to rest for Lamouchi’s squad, who will be put through their paces on Christmas Day before taking on the Tigers.
“Unfortunately, they don’t have Christmas Day off,” said Lamouchi. “The programme is clear.
“They had the day off on Sunday (after Huddersfield), then training today and Tuesday.
“On the 25th we will do a session here before we travel to Hull City to play on the 26th.
“Then there will be training on the 27th and 28th, and a game on the 29th against Wigan.
“Their last day off was on Sunday - the next one will be after Chelsea, probably.
“We just want to be all together and focused on each game, because each game is important for us.”
Used to enjoying a winter break during his career as a player and manager before making the move to English football, the action-packed schedule is a new experience for Lamouchi.
He is eager to make the most of a run of games in quick succession and give Reds fans something to cheer about in the festive season.
“For me, it is the first time playing football at Christmas time and managing some games - important games,” the Frenchman said.
“I just want the best for my players and the club where I am .
“We just need to achieve the best results. And for that, we need to be like we were not so long ago, doing the simple things. But doing the simple things is not easy.
“Christmas is a time to wish all the best for all our fans - they are so important for us - and my players, who are so important for me. The club is important for us, like the results are important for the Forest family.
“I know the last results have been disappointing, but don’t forget what these same players, this same team, did earlier in the season.
“Christmas time is a nice time for the fans who come to the stadium, but it is a busy time for the players.”
.jpg?w=600)
