AliousNottingham Forest will always owe a debt of gratitude to Steve Cooper for the miraculous turnaround he orchestrated at the City Ground. Taking a team languishing at the bottom of the Championship and guiding them to Premier League promotion in just a matter of months was nothing short of extraordinary. That achievement will forever define his legacy at Forest.
However, Cooper’s tenure in the Premier League was not without its flaws. While he wasn’t responsible for every signing made during his time, his unwavering loyalty to certain players and his stubborn approach raised questions. These imperfections became more evident as Forest struggled in the top flight, ultimately impacting his tenure. After a recent dismissal from Leicester City, Cooper now awaits his next managerial challenge, and it will be intriguing to see where he lands.
One of the criticisms of Cooper’s time at Forest was his reluctance to utilize certain players, even those with undeniable potential. A prime example is Andrey Santos, now regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. Despite his talent, Santos managed just seven minutes of Premier League action under Cooper, a decision that has since been widely questioned.
Similarly, there’s another player who serves as a stark reminder of Cooper’s missteps: Loïc Badé. The French defender, who barely got a look-in during his brief stint at Forest, is now poised for a remarkable return to the Premier League.
### Newcastle and Liverpool Battle for Loïc Badé
Badé’s arrival at Forest wasn’t Cooper’s decision. The French centre-back was signed on loan from Sevilla under the direction of Miltos Marinakis, with Cooper favoring his tried-and-tested trio of Scott McKenna, Joe Worrall, and Steve Cook in defense. As a result, Badé never played a single minute for Forest and was sent back to Sevilla in January 2023.
Fast forward a few months, and Badé was lifting the Europa League trophy with Sevilla, starring in the final and proving his immense quality. Now, according to *The Sun*, Newcastle United and Liverpool are reportedly vying for his signature, with the current Premier League leaders said to have the edge in the race.
This development casts a harsh light on some of Cooper’s decision-making during his time at Forest. At a time when the Reds were leaking goals, his insistence on sticking with the promotion-winning defenders may have cost the club dearly.
### A Missed Opportunity for Forest
In hindsight, Forest’s refusal to give Badé a chance was a missed opportunity. While the team managed to stay up that season, having Badé in the lineup could have strengthened their defense significantly. Moreover, a strong showing might have prompted Forest to make his move permanent, securing a major coup.
Instead, Badé slipped through their fingers, and now top Premier League clubs see the potential Cooper failed to recognize. Liverpool, despite already boasting a stacked defensive lineup, are reportedly keen to secure his services, further highlighting what Forest missed out on.
Fortunately, Forest’s current defensive setup has improved significantly. Nikola Milenković and Murillo have established themselves as top-quality starters, with Morato and Willy Boly providing reliable backup. Yet, the Badé situation remains a blot on Cooper’s Forest record—a “what could have been” moment that may haunt him for years to come.
As for Badé, his likely return to the Premier League serves as a reminder of the talent that Forest let slip away. While Cooper’s achievements at Forest can never be taken away, his handling of players like Badé will always raise questions about what more the club could have achieved during his tenure.
Alious
