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It is perhaps fitting a simple question about set-pieces ends up with a discussion about the significance of identity at Nottingham Forest.

Ask many fans and they would tell you a vulnerability from free-kicks and corners – and an apparent inability to score from them – has become an unwanted part of the team’s DNA, since long, long before the arrival of Aitor Karanka as manager.

It was a problem the Spaniard inherited when he arrived at the City Ground – and it is one he has spent some time trying to solve, on the training ground.

Some progress has been made. Three of the eight goals Forest have conceded so far in the Championship have come from free-kicks and corners – and two of the eight they have scored have come from set-pieces.

(Image: Ritchie Sumpter @ JMS Photography)

But, as he broaches the subject, it is perhaps telling that Aitor Karanka drifts into talking about a different kind of identity completely.

“It is something we are working on; it is something we want to address,” said Karanka, when asked about improving at both ends of the pitch, when it comes to set-pieces.

“At the start (of the season) we conceded three goals from set-pieces and that is something we had to fix, because that is not normal.

“And to score goals from set-pieces, of course, is important. But I do not care if goals arrive from set-pieces or if they come from open play and penalties – as long as they arrive.

“The important thing is to score goals. And, even when we have not always played at our best (so far) we are still scoring goals in every single game.

“For a defensive manager to score in every single game, it is not bad, is it?”

It is that label, you sense, Karanka is particularly keen to rid himself off.

With players like Lewis Grabban, Joao Carvalho, Gil Dias, Hillal Soudani and Diogo Goncalves added to the Reds ranks over the summer and Iranian international Karim Ansarifard expected to arrive at any time, Forest have greatly bolstered their attacking threat.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

They, along with the likes of Daryl Murphy, Joe Lolley, Matty Cash, Ben Osborn and Arvin Appiah, are all capable of delivering goals.

Forget talk of ‘only playing one up front’, as far as Forest are concerned, the 4-2-3-1 formation Karanka favours should, when utilised correctly, give them four or more attacking players.

And, with the right mentality and belief, Karanka is confident they will deliver goals.

“I have said always that I have a very good group of players, it is just a question of keeping them confident and to give them freedom,” he said.

“I don’t mind it when people view me as being a defensive manager. That is their thoughts. But I know how I am.

“People sometimes confuse being organised as being defensive. An organised team will have organisation – but when you have quality, you will still score goals and you will not concede goals.

“It is just to know the difference between being defensive and being organised.”

For Karanka, Forest now have the personnel to flourish with the approach – and he hopes that will be evident, when things properly fall into place.

The Spaniard knows very well too many of his side's performances have been poor so far but he is encouraged by the fact, even when they have not been at their best, they have always still looked as though they have goals in them.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

“Yes. Last season, when we did not have the players we have now, there were lots of games where we created plenty of chances to score,” he said.

“I know for sure now, this season with the players we have up front, we would score two or three goals if we play the same way.

“It is not about organisation, it is about consistency. We have good quality players and if we can get the best from them consistently, the rest will come.”

Karanka wants Forest to be an attacking side; a team that will create chances and put plenty of them away.

Organisation will be the starting point and foundation for that.

But the identity he wants to give Forest is one of a side capable of playing good football, while being ruthlessly effective at the same time.

“Of course, because without identity, it is impossible to achieve something,” said Karanka, when asked if it is important to follow the example of clubs like Brentford, Bournemouth, Swansea and Watford by building an identity as a club.

“I said before the game that the manager had been working really well at Brentford, for more than two years.

“It is not a coincidence that, with more or less the same players and a little more quality added, that it is this way.

“After two years working together, we still had 20 or 25 minutes when we were much better than them.

“We knew that, without the ball, they had problems. It was a shame that we could not play in the same way for 90 minutes.”

(Image: Dan Westwell)

Of course, what matters more than identity or the manner of how goals are scored is, quite simply, results.

And, as he prepares his side for a difficult trip to Swansea after the international break – and after securing only one win in six Championship games so far – Karanka understands the value of victory.

But he continues to believe good performances are the catalyst that will lead to success.

“Wins always give you more time, no, not more time exactly – but more confidence,” said Karanka. “But it is with better performances that we will be better.

“Because, again, winning games gives you confidence. But even when you play better and do not win games, it can also give you confidence.

“We did not play well against Reading, but we won the game. We played very well against West Brom, but we did not win the game.

“It is important to understand where we are; to understand that we have to keep working – and to understand that we need to win games.”