Karanka’s thrilled at commitment of players before they head off to Spain
AITOR Karanka says he is ‘really encouraged’ by what he has seen during the first week of Nottingham Forest pre-season training.
The Reds capped off their early preparations by playing a practise match among the squad at the Nigel Doughty Academy yesterday, fighting out a 2-2 draw.
As Forest prepare to head to Spain for a week, where they will play their first three competitive friendlies, Karanka is happy with what he has seen so far. New signings Michael Dawson, Gil Dias, Joao Carvalho and Diogo Goncalves have all been involved in training, while Hillal Soudani and Jack Robinson will take part from today.
Karanka will be encouraging his players to continue working hard to hone themselves ahead of the new Championship campaign. “After our first week of pre-season I am really encouraged by the commitment shown by the players,” Karanka told the club website. “We need to keep working hard to make sure we are ready for our challenges next season. We are getting ready.”
There was a competitive edge to the practise match played out behind closed doors on Saturday morning, between two sides made up from both senior and younger members of the Reds squad.
Ben Brereton put the side wearing blue ahead, after slotting home a penalty following a foul on Adlene Guedioura.
But Matty Cash sent a shot into the net, after cutting in from the right side to bring their opponents, wearing white, level.
Carvalho struck with a neat finish, also after cutting in from the right flank, to restore the lead held by the side in blue, while fellow Portuguese Gil Dias was inches away from putting them 3-1 up, after skimming the post with a shot.
There was one more twist to come, however, as Ben Watson delivered a cross for Ryan Yates to head home, to ensure the game finished level.