Different role at number 10 but Hughton helps out
MIDFIELDER GETTING USED TO NEW POSITION AT REDS
MIDFIELDER Cafu says he has benefitted from working with Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton as he adapts to the Championship.
The 27-year-old signed for the Reds from Olympiacos in October, initially on a loan deal which was then turned into a permanent move earlier this week.
It was Cafu’s first taste of English football, having previously plied his trade in his Portuguese homeland, France, Poland and Greece.
In addition to a different style of play and getting used to a new country, he has also taken on different roles for the Reds. Hughton, he says, has played a big part in helping him to adjust.
“I really enjoy working with him. The gaffer always helps me to adapt to English football,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“I’m really happy working with him.
“He helps me with things on the pitch, like positioning.
“I have been playing as a number 10, which is a new position for me because normally I play as a number eight.
“He tries to help me and every day I learn from him.
“Number 10 is not my best position. My favourite position is a number eight, being a box-to-box midfielder.
“But I try to do my best wherever I play, because I can play wherever the coach needs me.
“It is not so different, playing as a number 10.”
Integrating into a new club and team can take time for any player something which is made all the harder with the social restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The kind of team bonding which would normally take place outside of training, be it through going out for a meal or grabbing a coffee, is not currently possible.
“It is different compared to being in Greece,” Cafu said.
“It is a tough moment for everyone because of the lockdown but I try to live a very quiet life with my family and just stay at home most of the time.
“Of course, that makes it more difficult but to get through this difficult time, the best option is to stay at home, safe with the family. We can’t do anything more at this moment. “It is a difficult time for everyone. “We try to do the simple things and the best option at the moment is to stay at home.”
On the pitch, Cafu believes there are signs of improvement.
The Reds head to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow having lost only once in their last nine League games, although they are only three points above the relegation zone.
“I think it can get better, because we have a quality team and every day we work hard,” said Cafu.
“Of course we need to get results and we need to get three points, we always play for that. “But the Championship is tough. “We will keep trying to get more points to get up the table.”