Nottingham Forest defender Daniel Munoz in action for Colombia
Nottingham Forest defender Daniel Munoz in action for Colombia(Image: Getty)
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Nottingham Forest defender Daniel Munoz has made clear he doesn’t need an official leadership role to help set standards.
The 30-year-old has already made an impact in the Garibaldi after signing from Crystal Palace before the summer transfer window closed. But it is not just Munoz’s qualities on the pitch the Reds will be able to rely on, according to the man himself.
Munoz has been on duty for Colombia during the international break. As one of the more experienced members of the national team, he sees it as his responsibility to “set an example” - something that will no doubt be music to the ears of Forest head coach Oliver Glasner.
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“I’ve always considered myself just another one, another worker, working for the Colombian national team,” the wing-back told Colombian publication Caracol. “Everyone has a different role, but having played at a World Cup and being one of the older players, you have to take that responsibility and set an example for those boys coming in for the first time.
“The doors are always open; those who arrive for the first time are given a warm welcome. This is a family that has been consolidated with values and ethics, and we must give them confidence.”
Munoz has made three appearances for the Reds so far, since reuniting with ex-Palace boss Glasner on the banks of the Trent. On what was his first start for the club, he put in a superb performance in last month’s 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa.
Both the Colombian and Glasner will be back on familiar territory this weekend when Forest make the trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday (2pm kick-off). For the duo, it will be their first time back at Palace since their respective departures.
The Reds will head south looking to bounce back from their 1-0 home defeat to Coventry City prior to the three-week hiatus. Glasner has consistently said it will take time to get the team where he wants them to be.
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On the international stage, Munoz is also going through a period of change with his country. Colombia were knocked out of this summer’s World Cup in the round of 16 and results since have been mixed.
“The overall assessment, perhaps in terms of results, isn’t so positive,” Munoz said, speaking prior to this week’s 2-0 triumph over Peru which rounded off the international camp. “But what we’ve seen from within, for me and the boys, is positive.
“It’s not easy to come to the national team and do things well. We’re in a process of change. We have to try, do things right, and these matches are for that.
“In the end, only we, who play football, and people who really know something about football understand it. Explaining that to a fan is difficult; they’ll always want to win, they want the national team to play well. So, it’s more of an internal matter, doing it ourselves and doing it on the pitch.”
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Nottingham Forest reporter Sarah Clapson
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