What apologetic Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi had to say about 'quality' Sheffield Wednesday after rout at the City Ground

The Reds, one of the early pace setters in the Championship, surrendered four first-half goals to a Jordan Rhodes-inspired Owls, who have moved to fifth.

The former French international has now seen his side fall from the play-off places on a run of four games without a win.

Speaking after the game, Lamouchi hailed the performance of the visitors, who had a Rhodes hat-trick and a fine finish from Steven Fletcher to thank for their victory.

He said: “It’s been a bad week. Not just a bad day, a bad week. We have to learn.

“We gave them a lot, but congratulations to Sheffield Wednesday because they played with quality, with experience and played in the right way.”

A huge number of Forest fans left the ground at half-time and the side were roundly booed in an ill-tempered City Ground.

The Reds boss refused to make a substitution throughout the match and accepted responsibility for the four-goal blitz.

“I want to apologise for the big loss in front of our fans. I’m the only one responsible for that.

“It is a big disappointment for me and for the players, for all the fans. It was wrong.

“I didn’t make any changes [during the game] because three [substitutions] would not be enough.

“The second half was different, but it is easy for the opponent to manage when we are 4-0 down.

“But it was not enough - 4-0 at home without any yellow cards, without any energy, any intensity. We were so wrong.”

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Lamouchi suggested Wednesday are one of the toughest teams to play against in the division.

“The Championship is a tough league. Every game is difficult, especially against Sheffield Wednesday.

“I know that. Everybody knows that.

“It is not an excuse. It was a wrong day. It’s a shame. I’m not afraid of using those words.

“It is my first time apologising to our Forest fans and I hope it will be the last time.”