Sabri Lamouchi explains Nottingham Forest ace's absence as Reds fall to opening day defeat

Ribeiro's absence

Nottingham Forest head coach Sabri Lamouchi says it was simply “his choice” to leave full-back Yuri Ribeiro out of his matchday squad.

The Portuguese was a regular for the Reds last season and had started last weekend’s Carabao Cup defeat at Barnsley.

But he was one of four changes made by Lamouchi for his team’s opening Championship game, away to QPR.

Summer signing Tyler Blackett stepped in at left-back in Ribeiro’s absence, as Forest fell to a 2-0 defeat at Loftus Road.

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Manager's verdict

Head coach Sabri Lamouchi knows improvement is required after Nottingham Forest lost their opening Championship match of the season.

The  Reds are aiming to once again mount a promotion push, after agonisingly missing out on the top six last time around.

But they did not get off to the start they had hoped for against QPR, falling to a 2-0 defeat at Loftus Road.

Tobias Figueiredo conceded a second half penalty, which was converted by Lyndon Dykes, before Ilias Chair wrapped up the win in added time.

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Yuri has his say

Dropped Nottingham Forest star Yuri Ribeiro has spoken out about Sabri Lamouchi's decision to omit him from the matchday squad for today's 2-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

The Reds have begun the season with two defeats in two matches, following up last weekend's Carabao Cup exit at Barnsley with a loss at Loftus Road.

Forest conceded the first goal nine minutes after half-time when Lyndon Dykes scored from the penalty spot while Ilias Chair made sure of the win for Mark Warburton's side in injury time.

Lamouchi made the decision to drop Ribeiro in favour of new signing Tyler Blackett, who started the Barnsley game at centre-back.

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Fans' thoughts

Nottingham Forest fans have been reacting to their side’s defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

The Reds have begun their Sky Bet Championship season with a 2-0 loss away to the Hoops at Loftus Road.

Second half goals from Lyndon Dykes and Ilias Chair handed Forest a disappointing loss in their first match of the campaign.

Forest fans have take to social media to express their thoughts and emotions on their side’s defeat, here is a selection of what they had to say.

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