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What Rafa Benitez once said about signing Serge Aurier for Everton, amid links with Nottingham Forest
There’s plenty of speculation about the future of Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.
Cooper is under serious pressure at the City Ground, after last night’s 4-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Leicester City.
Cooper had a serious task on his hands this summer, after achieving a magnificent promotion to the Premier League.
He returned for pre-season with a threadbare squad that needed reinforcements.
However, what happened next shocked many football fans, with Forest bringing in 23 players.
One of the last players to Forest signed was Serge Aurier, and Benitez has already had his say about the defender.
Aurier came off the bench at half-time last night against Leicester, replacing Neco Williams.
He couldn’t prevent the Foxes adding a fourth goal and Forest falling to another defeat.
Benitez was unconvinced on signing Aurier
Last season, Benitez was still in charge of Everton, and was preparing to start with first campaign with the Toffees.
Seamus Coleman had picked up an injury, and Benitez was asked about the prospect of signing Aurier.
“I don’t see a clear option with that. We have to think about the future and not just the short term.
“Now we have to find the solutions but we have to be sure the solutions aren’t just for a couple of months, just the rest of the season and the next year.”
It could be a worrying sign for Aurier if Benitez does replace Cooper at Nottingham Forest.
Neco Williams has been first choice under Cooper so far this season, but was at fault for Harvey Barnes’ goal, and picked up an early booking.
However, if Benitez does come in, it’s in his best interest to utilise every option available, and that could mean playing Aurier.