Town's Head Coach looks ahead to Thursday night against Forest
- Carlos Corberán previews Nottingham Forest match
- Head Coach provides full squad update
- Watch the full press conference below on HTTV
Huddersfield Town Head Coach Carlos Corberán has spoken to the press ahead of Town’s trip to The City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Thursday 30 December in our final fixture of 2021.
Providing a full update on how the Town squad was looking before the trip to Nottinghamshire on Thursday evening, the Head Coach spoke about Tom Lees’ progression following his head injury, the possible return of Levi Colwill and how close Jonathan Hogg and Pipa are to being part of his matchday squad.
“Tom Lees is following the medical protocols after his concussion. He won’t be available tomorrow, but let’s see for the next game.
“Levi Colwill only trained once before the Blackpool match, but he should be available tomorrow having rejoined the group.
“At the moment we have no Covid-19 concerns, and have everybody available.
"Hoggy will return to training later this week. Not full training yet, but some ball work, which is normal.
“Pipa is progressing well, and has been training well with the team. He is available tomorrow if I wanted to choose him, or he could be in the squad in the New Year.”
Reflecting on the dramatic fashion his side have won their past two matches, coming behind in both to win by three goals to two, Carlos was keen to stress that his side have plenty to work on, whilst retaining the spirit and determination that has allowed them take three points on both occasions.
“We demand more of ourselves, we don’t want to start each match and start from behind, because that makes the match harder for ourselves.
“It’s important to continue with our character and reaction, but we want to correct the way we start the game at a disadvantage, because that can never be a good thing.”
Pressed on some tactical considerations, Corberán was asked for his opinion on Harry Toffolo’s current form - having made three assists in three consecutive matches - as well as the possibility of seeing both Danny Ward and Jordan Rhodes start from the front in a two man attack.
“The best of Harry Toffolo is when he’s playing as a full-back, with a winger ahead of him where he can pass and go. But he is adapting to playing with three at the back and as a wing-back.
“Only four or five teams in the Championship play with a four at the back this season, so football is always changing and growing, and he is adapting to that.”
“We have our style, we have our possibilities - it’s clear that Danny Ward and Jordan Rhodes can play together, so that is an option for us.”
Turning his attention to Nottingham Forest, the Head Coach was highly complementary of his opposite number Steve Cooper, whilst highlighting that despite their good form, Nottingham Forest will be just as tricky and difficult as any other side Town face in the Championship.
“They’re very competitive, like every team in the Championship. Every opponent is going to demand your best. Nottingham Forest will try to play from the back, that’s the style Steve Cooper has brought them.
“I have a lot of respect for Steve Cooper, for me he is one of the best coaches in the Championship, and the game is going to be a challenge - it’s a good challenge though, and the type of challenge that we want.”
Asked about the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on this squad, Carlos reiterated his happiness in his squad and the strength it contains when whole, with the obvious concern that could be brought about if players are then missing due to isolation.
“My only concern is being the most competitive team we can be. I have a lot of confidence in the group of players I’m working with, and it’s true that with Covid that can weaken you if all of your players aren’t available.
“The medical decision to have the third dose of vaccine has helped, and we have made changes to ensure that the impact of Covid is limited on our team and our group.”
You can watch the full press conference below on HTTV.
Town are back at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday 15 January at 3pm to face Swansea City. CLICK HERE to secure your seat for our first home game of 2022!
