Oliver Glasner has built his reputation as one of Europe's most tactically sophisticated operators, yet the Austrian may need to embrace a different role at Nottingham Forest. The meticulous, self-confessed workaholic has never been known as a strict disciplinarian, but the chaos of the past year at the City Ground demands a shift in approach.
His credentials are undeniable. At Eintracht Frankfurt, Glasner orchestrated a Europa League triumph against the odds and caught the attention of multiple Premier League clubs. When he arrived at Crystal Palace in 2024, he transformed their playing style so effectively that the club won three trophies during his two-year tenure. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis believes the same magic can be replicated on Trentside.
The challenge, however, is formidable. Forest cycled through four managers in 12 months before Glasner's appointment on 6 July 2026, creating an environment of uncertainty that permeates the club. Speaking from Forest's training base in West Bridgford, Glasner identified the core issue.
Great talent is here. But sometimes, this is what we have to look at, the atmosphere is maybe a little bit too laid back. We really must find the balance between hard work on the pitch, giving the best, and all coming together to get to our top level. We want the best version of every single player.
The instability of last season extracted a heavy toll. Forest finished 16th after playing 56 matches, including a remarkable run to the Europa League semi-final in their first European campaign in 30 years. Only Liverpool and Wolves experienced a larger points decline between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons than Forest's 21-point drop. All three clubs entered this campaign under new management, though Forest avoided the fate of Wolves, who dropped an entire division.
Glasner's philosophy centres on structure and collective discipline. His teams are well-drilled, combative and obsessed with detail, often exceeding expectations through a calculated blend of open play and set-piece mastery. They need not dominate possession to pose a threat.
Pre-season has offered early signs of buy-in.
He is a bit of a perfectionist. He goes through small details. Sometimes that is what really decides a game.This assessment came from centre-back Nikola Milenkovic, who added that players must adapt to whatever system Glasner demands.
Playing four at the back or three, that is up to the manager, we have to be able to adapt to every system he wants to play and put our biggest investment on the pitch.
Glasner has been refining his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation during the warm-up matches, with players responding positively to his exacting standards. The manager himself acknowledged the receptiveness of the squad to fundamental change.
The players have been really open. One of my first messages was: 'If you only do the same you will always get the same'. The boys were open to this after a difficult season. No team wants to fight against getting relegated.
On the recruitment front, Forest have moved decisively. Centre-back Ousmane Diomande arrived as their standout summer addition, with midfielder Xaver Schlager also joining the club. Yet Glasner is pushing for reinforcements. According to BBC Sport, Forest are targeting up to three new signings before the transfer window closes, with additions already in the pipeline following a 2-0 friendly victory over Brest on 17 August 2026. Sky Sports reported on 20 August 2026 that Glasner has already identified targets for the final weeks of the market.
The manager's ambitions are tempered by realism.
We think we can do better than 16th. But we have to be realistic. We are creating an environment, a way where we can improve. Absolutely we want individuals, we want characters, we want egos, but not playing for themselves, playing for the team. It can be an amazing group.
Stability ranks as his primary objective.
Number one priority is getting stability into the club. Nobody wanted so many changes last season, but it happened. We need stability for everyone. And then we can talk about establishing in the top half of the table, but we have to be humble and go step-by-step.
The quality of Forest's squad provides genuine cause for optimism. Morgan Gibbs-White and other key personnel have remained at the club despite interest from rivals. Glasner possesses both the collective understanding he demands and individual brilliance capable of changing matches instantly. The manager acknowledged what drew him to the role.
The quality of the players, coupled with the ambition of Mr Marinakis was what drew him to the club in the first place, despite Forest not being on his radar before this summer.
Yet the task ahead is substantial. Marinakis is not renowned for patience, and Glasner must demonstrate a clear strategic vision to justify his long-term appointment. The Austrian has a proven track record of defying odds, but Forest's supporters will demand tangible Premier League progression after the European distraction of last season.
Glasner emphasised the importance of maximising training time and maintaining focus beyond match days.
We have time to train, time to improve. But that is our responsibility to take advantage of. In training we must always focus on this, not just waiting for the next game on a Saturday. I promise we will push the players to really work hard.
What comes next
Forest's Premier League campaign begins at home to Leeds United on Saturday 22 August 2026, offering an immediate opportunity to establish Glasner's new culture. The fixture list intensifies quickly, with a trip to Liverpool scheduled for 29 August 2026.
The transfer window remains open until 1 September 2026, giving Glasner a narrow window to complete his squad reshaping. Early reports suggested Forest wanted a further four signings before the deadline, though recent developments indicate the club is targeting up to three more additions to complement Diomande and Schlager.
Whether Glasner can replicate his Crystal Palace success at Forest depends on his ability to impose discipline without stifling creativity, and to build a cohesive unit from a squad fractured by managerial upheaval. The foundation is being laid in pre-season. Now comes the real test.
