Aitor Karanka believes his impact at Nottingham Forest was a positive one.
The Spaniard spent just over a year at the City Ground, having made a big impression on Trentside, but opted to leave and spend a period out of the game.
Karanka’s move to St Andrew’s represents his first job in management after leaving Forest 18 months ago, and the ex-Real Madrid assistant boss says his experience was a good one, as was his relationship with the players and supporters.
“It was a good experience. A great club,” Karanka said.
“I had a good feeling and good relationship with the players and crowd.”
The end came into view after his Forest side threw away a 3-0 lead at Norwich on Boxing Day in 2018 to draw 3-3, having conceded twice in stoppage time.
Despite beating Leeds 4-2 at the City Ground in his final Championship match in charge, Karanka asked to leave the club following disagreements with the board.
He says after battling for the play-off places, his feelings started to change and it was then he wanted to move on.
“Looking back?
“I think we did the things we had set out. We established the team and had to change the atmosphere in the club.
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“We had to change a lot of the players in our first transfer window. We changed the medical department, and a lot of things in the club because I thought the club needed it at the time.
“We were fighting for the play-off position."
