Awoniyi labels Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper 'one of the best coaches in the world'

Taiwo Awoniyi says he enjoys playing under Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper and has labeled the Welsh football tactician  'one of the best coaches in the world' ahead of the trip to Liverpool for matchday 10 of the Premier League.

Cooper has a rich curriculum vitae - which includes winning the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup with England and guiding Nottingham Forest to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2022.

Nottingham Forest strengthened their squad following their promotion to the Premier League, and one their signings last summer was Liverpool old boy Awoniyi.

The 43-year-old Cooper has a connection with Liverpool, having spent five years as coach in the Reds Academy, where he worked with onetime Nigeria Football Federation target Jordon Ibe.

Cooper performed a minor miracle in his first season as a Premier League manager, helping Nottingham Forest beat the drop with a game to spare, and Awoniyi played a key role at the back end of the season with six goal in four matches.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Awoniyi said: "He’s one of the best coaches I’ve worked under.

"The way he goes about things, the way he speaks to players, and the confidence he gives to the players.

"We had a lot of pressure last season, but you could see in his eyes that he always believed, he knew we were going to stay up.

"That’s what every player wants from their manager. He gives you the belief that you can really get to the peak of your career, if you are ready to work for him and go for it."

Awoniyi is doubtful to be named in Nottingham Forest's starting lineup in their Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Sunday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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