Sabri Lamouchi has explained his decision to take charge of Nottingham Forest.

The former Rennes boss insists dropping into England's second tier is no step back.

"I am very happy, very excited. It's a big English football club with a huge history," he told L'Equipe.

"I felt a lot of respect, investment in me. Being able to coach a legendary club it is a great pride. And this even if it evolves in the Championship. A championship not necessarily known in France but very long, very difficult. It's a huge challenge. I approach it with a lot of ambition, determination.

"I have never stopped since the beginning of my coaching career to challenge myself by coaching one of the biggest national teams in Africa, starting in the Middle East and by going to Rennes. I had in front of me people (the leaders of Nottingham) serious, ambitious, determined. It's anything but a step back."