Karanka has to be a master juggler
SUBSTITUTES WERE SUCKED INTO THE HEAT OF BATTLE AGAINST WEST BROM
FOR all the significant positivity and hope that Nottingham Forest’s impressive summer transfer business has inspired, there has been one minor, lingering note of concern for some supporters.
The question most often asked, over the past few weeks, surrounds how Aitor Karanka will manage to keep all his players happy, when some of them will be sat in the stands for many games.
That will very much be one of the biggest challenges facing the Reds boss in the coming months, as he looks to juggle a squad of 25 senior players that has now been bolstered by 12 quality additions.
But, if any fans are seeking reassurance, they will find plenty in the views of Joe Lolley.
The club published a series of video clips of the Reds bench during the draw with West Brom on Tuesday night, showing every substitute, almost to a man, getting sucked into the drama of events on the City Ground pitch.
Substitute Michael Dawson in particular was heading every ball and making every tackle, even from within the confines of the technical area, as the action unfolded in front of him.
And winger Lolley says those moments in the Reds dugout are indicative of the attitude in the dressing room.
Whether they are in the starting line-up, on the bench or in the stands, each player is united in their desire to see the team flourish. And all of them know that they will have a part to play, during the course of a 46-game season.
“It is a credit to the management and the people who have bought the players in. They have not just identified players on the pitch, but also characters who have added to the dressing room,” said Lolley.
“Back in January, players came into a good dressing room as well. That makes it a lot easier for new players to settle in.
“Since I have been here there must have been 20 new signings. But you cannot fault anyone. They are all good people and it feels like a great place to work. It is vital to have that togetherness.
“Whoever doesn’t play will always be frustrated. But even if players are frustrated here, they are so supportive of the team. They put the team first, ahead of themselves.
“You do need that. I don’t think you will be successful in this division if you do not have that attitude; if you do not get on with everyone – if you do not put in the extra yards for the people you work with.
“That shows on the pitch. Everyone wants to be part of this team; everyone wants to be part of this squad. It is never nice for the players who are not playing. But the spirit in the squad is really good and everyone is here to support and, together, we can hopefully get us to promotion.”
Lolley was on the bench for the first game at Bristol City but was promoted to the starting line-up against West Brom.
He hopes, naturally, to retain his place when Reading visit the City Ground today. But he understands that there will be times when he has to take his turn out of the side.
“Over the course of the season there will be times where you might not be in the squad and we will need to support those who are. It is a long season ahead and we all have a part to play,” he said. “The quality running through the squad is there and, off the pitch, everyone gets on so well. It is one of the best dressing rooms I have played in.
‘‘Everything feels right at the moment. Hopefully we can perform on the pitch for the fans and see where that takes us.
“There is more to come. We signed a lot of players in January and in the summer and we are still getting to know each other. It was never going to completely click straight away – but I think in the most part that it has.
“I think we were unlucky against West Brom. We started a little slow against Bristol City and gave ourselves a bit much to do. But we have learned our lessons from those games and we can carry that into the rest of the season. The signs are positive.”
Lolley replaced Diogo Goncalves in the side in midweek and the winger has been impressed by the impact he and the other two latest Portuguese additions, Joao Carvalho and Gil Dias have made.
“The Portuguese players have added quality, creativity and flair. But they also understand that this is a tough league and they have to graft and work hard,” said Lolley.
“They have been doing that and it has been brilliant to see. They have that work rate, to go along with their quality, and that will go a long way this season.
“They are young and they like a laugh. They join in with everything. They have been a breath of fresh air and they work so hard during the game.
‘‘They have added a lot of quality to the side.”
The former Huddersfield player also believes that the latest addition to the Forest ranks, his former teammate Michael Hefele, will also make a valuable contribution on the pitch – and in the dressing room.
“He is funny in the dressing room, he gets on with everyone, whether it is people at the club, fans or players,” said Lolley.
“I am sure that it will be a good move.
“He is a great lad, he is a good guy in football and he is a good player as well. He was in the heart of our central defence when we got promotion.
“He is a good player and a great lad so I am sure he would fit in well.”
Forest were frustrated to have conceded a late equaliser against the Baggies in midweek, following a game they had dominated for long spells.
But they head into the game against Reading in confident spirits. The mood is really positive. There was an initial feeling that we should have come out with a win,” said Lolley.
“But that is a better feeling than coming into the dressing room feeling that you were fortunate to get a draw. Everyone realises how well we played and how good everyone is looking in games and in training.
“I don’t think anyone who has played has been poor. I do not think there is anyone who has not done themselves justice. Everyone is looking good.
“It is going to be a tough game. We watched their game against Derby and, for most of it, they were the better side. They played with a lot of intensity. They deserved to win that game, never mind draw it or lose it.
“They will be organised, they have a good manager and it will be tough. But we will have a good atmosphere here, there is a good feeling about the place and we will be looking to win.
“We need to convert draws into wins, but the performances are there and we have the quality and the work rate. I think it is only a matter of time before we do that.”