Nottingham Forest: Glasner impressed by club’s ambition and potential

By Callum Ashford — 17 July 2026 — 4 min read

Glasner’s arrival and ambitions

Oliver Glasner has been unveiled as the new manager for Nottingham Forest, marking him as the club’s fifth head coach in less than a year. During his introductory press conference, Glasner spoke for over an hour, addressing various topics including his aspirations for the club, his preferred playing style, and the circumstances surrounding his departure from Crystal Palace. He conveyed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the potential for growth at Forest, especially after the team successfully avoided relegation and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League in the previous season.

The decision to join Forest was significantly influenced by discussions with the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, which took place over a seafood meal in Athens. Glasner noted that Marinakis’s ambition was a key factor in convincing him to take on the challenge. He described Marinakis as one of the few individuals he has encountered who possesses an ambition even greater than his own, suggesting a dynamic and challenging working relationship ahead.

Glasner, who signed a three-year contract, expressed his desire to reintroduce the “sweet honey” of European football to Forest. He acknowledged that achieving success would require time and effort, stating that it typically takes three to six months for players to fully adopt new habits and systems. He emphasised that he is not a “magician” and that immediate, dramatic success, such as winning the Premier League, is not a realistic short-term goal. Instead, the focus is on steadily progressing towards European qualification spots.

Building foundations and squad changes

The new manager met the Forest squad on Monday, his first day in the role, and is looking forward to shaping the team. Forest is reportedly pursuing Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, aiming for him to be a club-record signing. This move comes as the club seeks to replace Elliot Anderson, who was transferred to Manchester City. Glasner is optimistic about having at least two new players join the team for the upcoming training camp in Portugal. Midfielder Xaver Schlager, formerly of RB Leipzig, is reportedly close to joining Forest on a free transfer.

Glasner’s appointment followed the sacking of Vítor Pereira, with the club viewing the opportunity to secure Glasner, who was available after leaving Selhurst Park, as too significant to miss. Glasner acknowledged the “very hard-working” efforts of Forest’s hierarchy in securing his services. Having previously won the FA Cup, Conference League, and Community Shield with Palace, he believes he can also exceed expectations at the City Ground, though he stressed that success would not be instantaneous.

He highlighted the importance of building solid foundations and adhering to certain “non-negotiables” in squad construction. While acknowledging that such methods do not guarantee success, he believes they offer the best possible chance. He also reflected on his time at Crystal Palace, dismissing suggestions that joining Forest, who took Palace’s place in the Europa League after their expulsion by UEFA, could damage his legacy. He expressed pride in his contributions at Palace and remains in contact with many former players.

Media reception and future outlook

Local media observers were notably impressed by Glasner’s demeanour and communication during his unveiling. Colin Fray of BBC Radio Nottingham described Glasner as “very comfortable with the press” and “eloquent.” Fray noted that Glasner displayed both light-hearted moments and serious discussion, conveying a clear vision without making unrealistic promises. He spoke about building solid foundations, a message that resonated positively with those present.

Glasner’s analogies, which extended beyond football, were also a feature of his press conference. When discussing the need for stability at Forest, he used the example of divorce rates, noting that while no one enters a marriage expecting it to end, it happens. He applied this to football, stating that while clubs desire long-term managerial and player stability, it is not always the reality. He and the owner are convinced that stability and consistency are crucial foundations for success, and they hope this marks a new beginning.

The club’s rich history, including its past as two-time European champions, was also a draw for Glasner. He sees significant potential and ambition within the club, believing that collective effort can lead to success and fulfil expectations for everyone involved. He remains in touch with former players, including texting Marc Guéhi on his birthday on Monday.

Source: bbc.com