Losing 5-0 to Fulham is the sort of result that can lose a manager his job.
That’s the sort of worry facing Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper, who side were torn apart at Craven Cottage and is close to being the second manager of the season sacked.
The pressure is on Cooper, whose Forest side sit dangerously close to the relegation zoneGetty
Having lost at home to fellow strugglers Everton on Saturday, Cooper was aware this was a pivotal week for his job, but could not stop Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez scoring twice and Tom Cairney completing the rout.
Fans still sung the boss’ name, but former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor spoke of the reality facing Cooper, who has lost his last four games and won just three times in 15 games.
“They’ve got 13 points – Everton have been deducted ten and are only six points behind them. It doesn’t look good.
“Fulham are a decent team, but Nottingham Forest shouldn’t be losing 5-0.”
And despite having the backing of fans, Agbonlahor think it may not matter.
“Steve Cooper seems like a really likeable guy and the fans are singing his name still, but the owners will be looking at the league table.”
One Fulham fan even claimed to have found Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ stadium pass that had apparently been tossed into a bush on the way out.
The businessman had left the ground early and the social media post quickly went viral and many fans speculating on Cooper’s future.
Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Scott Minto was in attendance for talkSPORT, and couldn’t believe what he was seeing at the City Ground.
Responding to the fifth goal, Minto told listeners: “I said it was embarrassing at 4-0, I don’t know what’s worse than embarrassing to be honest with you.
“The Forest fans, they should get their money back for what they’ve seen here, it’s not been good enough.
“Just when you’re wanting some kind of performance… You can lose at the Cottage but this is absolutely disgraceful, they’ve absolutely capitulated, given the ball away.
“Fulham have been superb, I’ve got to give them credit for being so clinical, but I do worry for Forest and Steve Cooper now if the rumours [of him being sacked] are true.”
The result meant Forest fall to 16th in the Premier League table, with Wolves and then Tottenham to come in Forest’s next two games.
talkSPORT understands Crystal Palace will make an approach for Cooper should he leave the City Ground.
