Oliver Glasner may not be the type of manager who relies on strict discipline, but he is certainly meticulous and self‑described as a workaholic. He does not flood his squad with endless rules; instead, he focuses on tactical precision and relentless effort. At Nottingham Forest, however, his approach may need to evolve to meet the club’s current challenges. Throughout his career, Glasner has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically savvy coaches.
His most notable achievement came during his tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he orchestrated an unlikely Europa League triumph, catching the attention of several Premier League clubs. In 2024, he accepted a role on England’s south coast, tasked with reshaping Crystal Palace’s playing style.
Under his guidance, Palace secured three trophies in just two seasons, a success that has convinced Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis that a similar transformation is possible at the City Ground. Before Glasner can implement his ideas, he must first lay down a clear set of expectations after a turbulent year that saw four different managers at the helm. "There is great talent here," he told Sky Sports from the club’s training base in West Bridgford, "but the atmosphere has become a little too relaxed. We need to strike a balance between hard work on the pitch and a collective drive to reach our highest potential.
Every player should be the best version of himself." Pre‑season naturally offers a window for a more relaxed approach, and Glasner acknowledges the positive attitude he has already observed. "The players have shown great effort and spirit in training; that is the foundation for everything we want to achieve," he said.
Yet, he warned that the upcoming season will demand a more serious mindset. Last season, despite the managerial carousel, Forest managed a remarkable run, playing 56 matches after securing a return to European competition for the first time in three decades.
Their journey culminated in a Europa League semi‑final, an achievement that seemed almost impossible given the instability off the field. Now the priority is to cement a stable Premier League foothold. Glasner has already begun reshaping the squad to fit his preferred system. The club’s most prominent summer signing, centre‑back Ousmane Diomande, exemplifies the type of player Glasner values—physically robust, tactically aware, and capable of fitting into multiple defensive structures.
As a former defender, Glasner is reportedly looking to add "one or two more" similar profiles to reinforce the back line. At 51, Glasner’s football philosophy is anchored in structure and detail. His teams are known for being well‑drilled, combative, and tactically flexible, often punching above their weight through a blend of quick transitions, disciplined defending, and set‑piece efficiency. They do not need to dominate possession to be threatening; instead, they thrive on organisation and intelligent movement.
Players appear to be responding positively to his methods. Nikola Milenković described Glasner as "a bit of a perfectionist" who scrutinises the smallest details—often the difference between a win and a loss.
"Whether we line up with four at the back or three, it’s up to the manager, and we must be ready to adapt to any system he chooses," Milenković added. Glasner’s early communication to the squad was blunt: "If you only do the same, you will always get the same results." After a difficult previous campaign, the players welcomed this message, understanding that complacency would only lead to another relegation battle. "We believe we can finish higher than 16th, but we must stay realistic," Glasner explained.
"We are building an environment where individuals grow, egos are managed, and the team puts collective success above personal glory." Statistically, Forest suffered one of the steepest point declines in the league—down 21 points from the 2024‑25 to the 2025‑26 season—only surpassed by Liverpool and Wolves, both of which also entered the new campaign with new managers. While Wolves have dropped into a lower division, Forest avoided that fate, yet Glasner is determined to prevent another near‑miss.
"The number one priority is stability," he asserted. "Last season saw far too many changes; we need consistency for everyone involved. Once we have that, we can aim for a top‑half finish, but we must be humble and progress step by step." Training sessions will become the crucible for improvement.
"We have time to train, time to get better, and it is our responsibility to make the most of it," Glasner promised. He stressed that the focus must remain on daily work, not merely on the next Saturday match.
Key players such as Morgan Gibbs‑White have remained at the club despite interest from rivals, giving Glasner a solid core to build around. While his success has historically stemmed from collective cohesion rather than individual brilliance, Forest now enjoys a sprinkling of talent capable of changing games in an instant. "The quality of the squad, combined with the ambition of Mr Marinakis, is what attracted me," Glasner admitted, noting that Forest had not been on his radar before this summer.
The owner’s impatience is well‑known, and Glasner’s detailed, methodical approach appears to align with Marinakis’s desire for swift progress. Forest supporters may be content with steady Premier League survival after their European exploits, but the club’s hierarchy expects more. Glasner must translate his proven track record of defying the odds into tangible results, demonstrating a clear, long‑term strategy that satisfies both fans and the ambitious owner. Can this Austrian dark horse, who has repeatedly turned underdogs into winners, replicate his past successes at Nottingham Forest?
Only time will tell, but the foundations he is laying—discipline, structure, and a relentless work ethic—suggest that the club is poised for a new chapter of stability and, hopefully, success.