Daniel Muñoz embraces Colombia leadership role after Nottingham Forest move

Nottingham Forest defender Daniel Muñoz has opened up about his growing responsibilities with Colombia as the national team goes through a period of transition.

Muñoz joined Forest from Crystal Palace with considerable Premier League experience and, at 30, has also become one of the senior figures within the Colombia squad.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Peru, the right-back explained how experienced internationals are being asked to help younger players adjust while Colombia attempt to improve their results.

Speaking to Caracol, Muñoz acknowledged that Colombia's results since the World Cup have fallen short of expectations but believes there have been positive developments inside the squad.

“The balance, perhaps in terms of results, isn’t so positive, but what we’ve seen from the inside, for me and the boys, is positive,” Muñoz said.

“It isn’t easy to come into the national team and do things well. We’re going through a process of change. We have to try, do things well, and these games are for that.”

Muñoz also recognised that supporters will naturally judge Colombia primarily on performances and results.

“In the end, only we, who play football, and people who really know something about football understand it,” he said. “Explaining that to a fan is difficult. They’ll always want to win and want the national team to play well.”

His message was that Colombia's players must ultimately demonstrate their progress on the pitch rather than expect supporters to accept explanations for disappointing results.

Muñoz also spoke about the responsibility of welcoming new players into the senior national-team environment.

“The doors are always open,” he said. “Those who arrive for the first time are given a warm welcome.

“This is a family that has been built with values and ethics, and you have to give them confidence.”

The Forest defender stopped short of explicitly describing himself as a leader, instead presenting his role as part of a collective effort.

“I’ve always considered myself just another one, another worker, working for the Colombian national team,” Muñoz said.

“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.”

Those comments provide further insight into the character Forest acquired when they signed Muñoz from Crystal Palace.

His Premier League experience reduced one obvious adaptation issue following his move between English clubs, while his performances on the right flank were the primary footballing attraction.

His international role provides another dimension. Colombia are increasingly looking towards experienced players such as Muñoz to establish standards and help integrate the next generation.

Muñoz may describe himself simply as “another worker”, but his comments show that he understands the additional responsibility that comes with being one of Colombia's senior players.

Muñoz's immediate focus is Colombia's friendly against Peru on Tuesday, another opportunity for the national team to develop during its transitional period. He will then return to Nottingham Forest, where the experience and responsibility he is assuming internationally could also prove valuable during his first season at the City Ground.