Oliver Glasner may not be the type of manager who relies on strict discipline, but he is undeniably meticulous and self‑described as a workaholic. While he doesn’t impose a barrage of rules, his approach at Nottingham Forest is likely to evolve into a more structured regime. Over the past decade Glasner has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically insightful coaches.
His résumé includes a spectacular spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he guided the German side to an unexpected Europa League title, a triumph that put him on the radar of several Premier League clubs. In 2024 he accepted a challenge on the English south coast, taking charge of Crystal Palace. During his two‑year tenure the club not only transformed its playing style but also collected three trophies, a feat that convinced Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis that Glasner could replicate that success in the Midlands.
Before Glasner can implement his ideas, he first needs to impose a clear set of expectations after a turbulent period at the City Ground. The club has cycled through four managers in the last twelve months, creating a climate of uncertainty. "There is great talent here," Glasner told Sky Sports from the training base in West Bridgford, "but the atmosphere has become a little too relaxed at times.
We must strike the right balance between hard work on the pitch and a collective desire to reach our highest potential. We want the best version of every player." Pre‑season naturally allows for a degree of flexibility, and Glasner praised the effort and enthusiasm he has already seen in training sessions, calling it the foundation for any future progress.
Yet he also warned that the upcoming campaign will demand a more serious, disciplined mindset. Last season, despite the managerial merry‑go‑round, Forest managed to play 56 matches after securing a return to European competition for the first time in three decades.
The team even reached the Europa League semi‑final, an impressive achievement given the upheaval. The real test now is to translate that cup run into a stable Premier League position. Glasner has already begun reshaping the squad to fit his preferred system. The club’s most notable summer signing is centre‑back Ousmane Diomande, a player who fits Glasner’s defensive philosophy.
The Austrian, a former defender himself, hinted that he may still be looking for "one or two more" signings to solidify the back line. At 51, Glasner’s footballing philosophy centres on organisation, intensity and attention to detail. His teams are known for being well‑drilled, combative and tactically flexible, often punching above their weight through a mix of fluid open‑play movements and razor‑sharp set‑piece routines. Possession dominance is not a prerequisite for success under his guidance; instead, disciplined positioning and quick transitions are the hallmarks of his style.
Players appear to be adapting well to the new regime. Nikola Milenković, who has worked closely with Glasner, described the manager as "a bit of a perfectionist" who scrutinises even the smallest details – a trait that can be decisive in tight matches. Milenković added, "Whether we line up 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." Glasner’s first message to the squad was simple yet profound: "If you only do the same, you will always get the same result." After a painful relegation battle last season, the players welcomed the call for change. "No team wants to fight against dropping down," Glasner noted, "but we believe we can finish higher than 16th. We must be realistic, yet we must also create an environment where we can improve together.
Individual talent and personality are welcome, but the focus must be on the team, not personal glory." Statistically, Forest suffered one of the sharpest declines in points between the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 seasons, losing 21 points – a drop only eclipsed by Liverpool and Wolves, both of whom also started the new campaign with fresh managers. While Wolves have been relegated to a lower division, Forest avoided that fate, but 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, and then we can start talking about establishing ourselves in the top half of the table. Humility and a step‑by‑step approach are essential." Training sessions will be the crucible for this transformation. "We have time to train, time to improve, and it is our responsibility to make the most of it," Glasner said.
"We cannot simply wait for Saturday’s match; we must push the players to work harder every day." 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 success has often relied on collective cohesion rather than individual brilliance, Forest does possess a sprinkling of talent capable of changing a game in an instant.
Glasner admits that the combination of the squad’s quality and the ambition of owner Marinakis attracted him to Nottingham Forest, even though the club was not originally on his radar this summer. The owner’s impatience is well known; he expects progress not only in league standing but also in the club’s overall direction. Glasner’s detailed, methodical approach appears to align with Marinakis’s vision, but he will need to deliver tangible results to secure his long‑term future. The central question remains: can this Austrian manager, who has repeatedly defied the odds, once again turn a club on the brink into a stable, competitive force in the Premier League?
The answer will unfold over the coming months as Glasner implements his plan for "stability with success" at Nottingham Forest.