Nottingham Forest have struggled in the Championship so far this season.
Having finished outside of the Championship’s top 10 in four of the last five seasons, Nottingham Forest fans would have been hoping that Philippe Montanier was the man to lead them back into the play-offs when he was appointed in the summer.
However, things haven’t gone to plan for the Frenchman, and he knows that his side need to make up lost ground after the international break, or they could soon find themselves in the division’s bottom three.
Here’s a look at Montanier’s first few months in charge at the City Ground, along with some of the defining images from that period:
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier ahead of the clash with Burton
The season began in dramatic fashion for Forest as they defeated Burton Albion 4-3 in an incredible game. Montanier’s men had been 2-1 down at one stage, but scored three times to seemingly move themselves out of sight. Tom Naylor’s stoppage-time reply ensured a nervy final few minutes.
Nottingham Forest’s Armand Traore celebrates with manager Philippe Montanier after the cup tie with Doncaster
They followed that win up with a 2-1 victory away at Doncaster in the EFL Cup. Jamie Ward – who has since joined Burton on loan – bagged the added-time winner.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier against Brighton
The wind was knocked out of Nottingham Forest’s sails in their next game, however, as Brighton claimed a 3-0 win at the Amex Stadium to hand the side their first defeat of the season.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier shakes hands with Leeds United manager Garry Monk
After a narrow defeat to Brentford, Forest returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Leeds. Oliver Burke’s stunning solo goal proved to be his last notable act for the club, as he joined RB Leipzig in the final days of the transfer window. Needless to say, Nottingham Forest fans were left miffed by the sale of their brightest star.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier during the draw with Villa
The winger’s departure initially didn’t appear to hurt the team too much, as they secured a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. A late Henri Lansbury equaliser moved Forest up to 10th in the table.
Nottingham Forest manager Phillipe Montanier, during the clash with Rotherham
Another 2-2 scoreline came in their next game against Rotherham. This time, however, it was Forest who conceded an 87th minute equaliser. The game also saw the debut of Nicklas Bendtner, who had joined on a free transfer.
Nottingham Forest’s Nicklas Bendtner with manager Philippe Montanier as he waits to be substituted on against Norwich
Squandering a lead remained the story for the next few weeks. Incredibly, Nottingham Forest went in front in five consecutive games and came away from that spell with no victories and just two points. Norwich came away from the City Ground with a 2-1 win after Apostolos Vellios had put Forest in front.
Nottingham Forest’s Nicklas Bendtner sat on the substitutes bench as manager Philippe Montanier looks on during the defeat to Arsenal
A brilliant performance from Lucas Perez inspired Arsenal to an emphatic 4-0 win in the EFL Cup. Forest have still not been pased the third round of the competition since the 2004/05 campaign.
Nottingham Forest manager Philippe Montanier watches the victory over Birmingham from the stands
A 3-1 win over Birmingham in October remains Nottingham Forest’s only victory since Burke departed for the Bundesliga. And three defeats and a draw since beating the Blues has left Forest just two points clear of the bottom three.
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