23/07/2008 - Forest boss Calderwood: We can do better
COLIN Calderwood criticised Nottingham Forest’s performance in their 3-1 win over Conference side Burton Albion, but insisted: “It is about learning at this stage of the season.”
The Reds boss admitted his side had not been at their best during a straight-forward win over Nigel Clough’s side, earned through goals from Arron Davies, Lewis McGugan and Nathan Tyson.
But, with four more friendly matches still to be played before the Championship season kicks off – starting with the trip to Telford tonight – Calderwood pledged that his side will be much-improved by the time Reading visit the City Ground.
“I would liked to have played better, if I am honest,” said Calderwood. “We never really had any continuity. But it is the first time we have had this group together.
“We will maximise our fitness levels, but we know there will have to be a lot of improvement all round to get anywhere close to pleasing any of the coaching staff.
“You expect a little rawness. But there is still a valuable lesson there for us to learn. Our percentage of possession was not good enough.
“We have to be better and brighter and improve from here. It is about learning at this stage and it was a good examination.
“There were lots of mistakes in and there was no real rhythm to our passing at any time, which made it hard for us.”
Forest, who fielded a team with a mixture of senior players and youngsters, were given a good test by an efficient Burton side.
“We got what we wanted, which was a tough game against a useful Burton side,” added Calderwood.
“We had to work hard. We gave the ball away too often and had to work to get it back.
“But, in terms of the opposition giving us a test, we have been tested in every area of the pitch. But our defenders in particular were tested by some good centre forward play.
"And the midfield had to work well to get the ball back."
The match saw Guy Moussi make his debut on English soil, producing a promising display in the centre of midfield.
Fellow Frenchman Mikel Darnet, an 18-year-old signed from Cannes with a view to playing for the Academy side, was also given a chance, after impressing in training.
"Mikel is another of the boys put forwards by David Friio. He played very well for the reserve group against Sheffield United, when the first team squad were out in Germany," said Calderwood.
"He scored two goals in that match, so this seemed an opportune moment to give him a more senior role and the chance to play in front of a crowd.
Andrew Cole and Robert Earnshaw are both slight doubts for tonight's game, with Paul Anderson and Julian Bennett definitely out.
But Bennett could be fit to face Everton on Friday night.
"We have an idea of the team tonight, but we will not take any risks," said Calderwood.
"Jules is coming on well, but he needs a bit of training time before we risk him.
"He has trained with the rest of the lads this week and we hope to have him involved in the match on Friday."