Nottingham Forest player admits he faces ‘competition’ over starting role this season
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner has admitted it’s important not to get too comfortable and he still needs to fight for his position as the Reds’ number one.
The USMNT goalkeeper signed for Forest in a deal that could rise up to £10 million, joining from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after a year at the Emirates.
However, he now faces competition for the starting position at the City Ground after the deadline day arrival of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Benfica for £7.7 million.
The 29-year-old Greek international comes with great pedigree after starring for the Portuguese side in the Champions League last season.
Matt Turner on fighting for his position
Speaking to Goal, the American admitted he’s settled into life at Forest well, but he needs to build on his impressive start.
“I feel like I’ve adapted pretty well to the move.
“I’m excited to have had the opportunity to be there and play games and compete. I think it’s easy to get into the mode where you’re comfortable not competing and just collecting your paycheck and showing up for work and I think the reason I fell in love with the game was that competition element of it all.
“Speaking of competition, anywhere you play in the Premier League, it’s the best league in the world and you’re going to have competition for spots and if we want to be the club that we want to be going forward, you’re going to have to have competition all over the pitch every day in training just to combat complacency and everything.
“I’m looking forward to challenges. I’m looking forward to fighting and, ultimately, I want to play as many games as possible and keep that feeling going of competing on the pitch.”
