Oliver Glasner may not be the sort of manager who relies on strict discipline, but he is certainly meticulous and self‑described as a workaholic. He does not impose a laundry list of rules on his players, a trait that could be tested at Nottingham Forest where a new level of order may be required.
Over the past decade Glasner has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically savvy coaches. His résumé includes a remarkable spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he guided the German side to an unexpected Europa League triumph, catching the attention of several Premier League clubs. In 2024 he accepted a challenge on the south coast, taking charge of Crystal Palace and reshaping their playing style.
Under his guidance Palace secured three trophies in just two seasons, a success that has convinced Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis that Glasner could replicate that formula in the West Midlands. Before Glasner can implement his ideas, however, he must first lay down a set of basic principles after a turbulent period at the City Ground. The club has cycled through four managers in the last twelve months, creating an environment of uncertainty. "Great talent is here," Glasner told Sky Sports from the club’s training base in West Bridgford.
"But sometimes the atmosphere becomes a little too relaxed. We need to find the right balance between hard work on the pitch and a collective drive to reach our highest level. We want the best version of every player." Pre‑season, by its nature, allows for a degree of flexibility, and Glasner appreciates the effort and enthusiasm shown by the squad so far.
"Players have shown great effort and spirit in sessions; for me, that is the foundation," he said. Yet he warns that the upcoming campaign will demand a more serious approach.
Last season, despite the managerial carousel, Forest managed to play 56 matches after earning a rare return to European competition – the first time in thirty years. Even with that upheaval, they reached a Europa League semi‑final, a testament to the resilience of the squad.
The next step, according to Glasner, is to secure a stable foothold in the Premier League. To that end, he is already introducing his preferred system and reshaping the roster to suit his philosophy. Centre‑back Ousmane Diomande has emerged as the standout summer signing, and Glasner, a former defender himself, is reportedly looking for "one or two more" reinforcements to solidify the back line. Glasner’s tactical blueprint is grounded in structure.
His teams are known for being well‑drilled, combative and detail‑oriented, often punching above their weight thanks to a clever mix of open play and set‑piece efficiency. Possession dominance is not a prerequisite for danger in his eyes; instead, organisation and discipline are the keys. The players appear to be adapting well. Nikola Milenković, a senior defender, described Glasner as "a bit of a perfectionist" who scrutinises even the smallest details, noting that such attention can decide matches.
"Whether we play with four at the back or three, it’s up to the manager. We have to be ready to adapt to any system he wants and give our best on the pitch," Milenković added.
Glasner emphasised early on that stagnation would be unacceptable: "One of my first messages was: ‘If you only do the same you will always get the same.’ The boys were receptive after a difficult season. No team wants to fight relegation every year.
We believe we can finish higher than 16th, but we must stay realistic. We are building an environment where we can improve. We want individuals with character and ego, but they must play for the team, not themselves. It can become an amazing group." Statistically, Forest suffered a 21‑point drop between the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 seasons, a decline only exceeded by Liverpool (‑24) and Wolves (‑22).
All three clubs entered the new campaign with fresh managers, and while Wolves are now in a different division, Forest avoided that fate. Nevertheless, Glasner is determined to prevent another near‑miss. "The number one priority is to bring stability to the club," he said. "Nobody wanted so many changes last season, but it happened.
We need stability for everyone, and then we can talk about establishing ourselves in the top half of the table, but we must be humble and take it step‑by‑step." He stressed the importance of training: "We have time to train, time to improve. It is our responsibility to make the most of it.
In training we must always focus on this, not just wait for the next Saturday game. I promise we will push the players to work hard." Key figures such as Morgan Gibbs‑White have remained at the club despite interest from rivals, giving Glasner a core of players who understand his collective approach.
While his success has often relied on teamwork rather than individual brilliance, Forest does possess a sprinkling of talent capable of changing games in an instant. Glasner admitted that the combination of "the quality of the players" and "the ambition of Mr Marinakis" attracted him to Nottingham Forest, even though the club had not been on his radar before the summer. The partnership promises excitement, but also a substantial challenge.
Forest supporters might be content with simply staying in the Premier League after their recent European adventure, yet Marinakis is not known for patience. Glasner has highlighted that his meticulous, detail‑driven approach aligns with the owner’s zeal, but he will need to deliver a clear, sustainable plan to convince the board of his long‑term suitability. Will the Austrian dark horse, with a proven record of defying the odds, once again strike gold at the City Ground? Only time will tell, but the foundations he is laying – discipline, structure, and a collective mindset – suggest that Forest are poised for a more stable and successful future.