Oliver Glasner may not be the type of manager who relies on strict discipline, but he is certainly a meticulous professional and a self‑confessed workaholic. He does not impose a barrage of rules on his players; instead, he expects them to adopt a diligent mindset and a high level of commitment. At Nottingham Forest, this approach may need to evolve as he seeks to bring order to a club that has endured considerable turbulence. Over the past decade Glasner has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated coaches.
His credentials were cemented during his tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he guided the German side to an improbable Europa League victory, overcoming far‑more fancied opponents and drawing the attention of Premier League clubs. In 2024 he accepted a challenge on the English south coast, taking charge of Crystal Palace with the explicit brief of reshaping their playing style. His two‑year spell proved fruitful: Palace lifted three trophies, a testament to his ability to translate tactical ideas into tangible results. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis believes the same blueprint can be replicated at the City Ground.
Before Glasner can implement his ideas, however, he must first set clear expectations after a period of instability at Forest. The club has cycled through four managers in the previous twelve months, leaving players and staff uncertain about the direction of the project.
"There is great talent here," Glasner told Sky Sports from the club's training base in West Bridgford, "but the atmosphere has become a little too relaxed at times. We need to strike the right balance between hard work on the pitch and the camaraderie that brings us together. Our aim is to get the best out of every individual and turn that into a collective strength." Pre‑season, by its nature, offers a window for a more relaxed approach, and Glasner acknowledges the positive signs he has already observed.
"The players have shown a lot of effort and enthusiasm in training sessions, and that is the foundation we need to build on," he said. Yet he warns that the upcoming season will demand a more serious mindset.
The previous campaign saw Forest endure a managerial merry‑go‑round that cost them consistency, yet they still managed to play 56 matches after securing a rare return to European competition for the first time in three decades, even reaching the Europa League semi‑final. That achievement, given the upheaval, was remarkable and highlights the squad’s resilience. Now the priority is to secure a stable foothold in the Premier League.
Glasner has already begun to implement his preferred formation, and the transfer window has brought in centre‑back Ousmane Diomande as the marquee summer signing. As a former defender, Glasner is keen to add "one or two" more players to solidify the back line, ensuring the team can absorb pressure and launch swift counters. His footballing philosophy is rooted in structure, organisation, and attention to detail.
His teams are known for being well‑drilled, combative, and tactically disciplined, often punching above their weight through a blend of quick transitions and set‑piece proficiency. Possession dominance is not a prerequisite for success under his system; instead, he favours compact defending and efficient use of the ball. The squad appears to be adapting well to his methods. Nikola Milenković, a senior defender, described Glasner as "a bit of a perfectionist" who scrutinises even the smallest details, noting that such focus can be the difference between winning and losing.
Milenković added, "Whether we play with four at the back or three, it’s up to the manager, and we have to be ready to adapt to any system he wants to employ. Our job is to execute his vision on the pitch." Glasner’s early communication with the players has been transparent. He told them, "If you keep doing the same thing, you will always get the same results." The squad, still reeling from a difficult previous season, welcomed this honesty. He emphasised that while the club does not want to repeat a relegation battle, they must be realistic about their ambitions.
"We believe we can finish higher than 16th, but we must take it step by step. We are building an environment where individuals can thrive, characters can develop, and egos are channelled for the benefit of the team rather than personal glory. If we manage that, we can become an amazing group." Statistically, Forest suffered a points drop of 21 between the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 seasons, a decline only exceeded by Liverpool (‑24) and Wolves (‑22).
Both of those clubs entered the new campaign with new managers, and Wolves even dropped to a lower division. Forest avoided the relegation plunge, but Glasner is determined not to repeat a near‑miss. His top priority, he says, is to restore stability: "Last season saw far too many changes. We need continuity for everyone—players, staff, and the wider club.
Once that is in place, we can aim for a top‑half finish, but we must stay humble and progress gradually." Training, according to Glasner, is the arena where improvement happens. "We have time to train, we have time to get better.
It is our responsibility to make the most of that time. We cannot simply wait for Saturday’s match; we must focus on the details every day. I promise to push the players to work harder and smarter." Key figures such as Morgan Gibbs‑White have remained at the club despite interest from other teams, providing a core around which Glasner can build.
While his past successes have relied heavily on collective cohesion rather than individual brilliance, Forest does possess a sprinkle of talent capable of changing games in an instant. Glasner acknowledges this, noting that the quality of the squad combined with the ambition of owner Evangelos Marinakis was what attracted him to Nottingham Forest, even though the club had not been on his radar before the summer.
Supporters may be content with simply maintaining Premier League status after the excitement of European competition, but Marinakis is known for his impatience and high expectations. Glasner’s detailed, methodical approach appears to align with the owner’s vision, yet he will need to produce a clear, measurable plan to convince the board of his long‑term suitability. The question now is whether this managerial dark horse, who has repeatedly defied the odds, can once again strike gold at the City Ground.