Oliver Glasner may not be the archetypal disciplinarian, but he is undeniably meticulous and self‑described as a workaholic. He does not impose a laundry list of strict rules on his squads; instead, he expects professionalism to emerge naturally from hard work and clear expectations. At Nottingham Forest, however, his approach may need a slight adjustment to suit the club's current climate. Over the past decade Glasner has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated coaches.
His résumé includes a remarkable spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he guided the German side to an unexpected Europa League triumph, out‑maneuvering opponents with a blend of disciplined defending and incisive attacking patterns. That achievement put him firmly on the radar of several Premier League clubs, all eager to replicate his success. In 2024, the Austrian took his talents to the south coast, signing for Crystal Palace with the brief of reshaping the team’s playing philosophy.
Under his guidance Palace captured three trophies in just two seasons, a testament to his ability to instil a winning mentality and a clear tactical identity. Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, believes the same transformation can be achieved at the City Ground. Before Glasner can implement his ideas, he must first set a foundation of stability. The club has endured a turbulent twelve months, cycling through four different managers and leaving the squad uncertain about its direction.
"There is a lot of 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 effort on the pitch and a collective desire to reach our highest potential." Pre‑season, by its nature, allows for a degree of flexibility, and Glasner appreciates the enthusiasm he has already seen. "The players have shown great effort and spirit in training sessions, and that is the bedrock on which we will build," he explained. Yet he also warned that the upcoming campaign will demand a more serious, focused mindset.
Last season, despite the managerial carousel, Forest managed to play 56 matches, earning a place back in European competition for the first time in three decades and even reaching the Europa League semi‑final. That achievement, achieved amid constant upheaval, highlights both the squad’s resilience and the need for a more consistent leadership structure.
Looking ahead, Glasner’s priority is to secure a firmer foothold in the Premier League. He has already begun to implement his preferred system, a flexible formation that can shift between a four‑man backline and a three‑man defence depending on the opponent. The club’s most prominent summer acquisition, centre‑back Ousmane Diomande, fits neatly into this plan, and Glasner, a former defender himself, hinted that he may pursue "one or two more" defensive reinforcements to solidify the back line. Glasner’s footballing philosophy is anchored in structure and detail.
His teams are known for being well‑drilled, combative, and tactically aware, often punching above their weight by exploiting set‑piece opportunities and quick transitions rather than relying on prolonged possession. This pragmatic approach aligns with Forest’s resources and the need to compete against clubs with larger budgets. The players appear to be adapting well to the new regime.
Nikola Milenković, a senior defender, described Glasner as "a bit of a perfectionist" who scrutinises even the smallest details. "Sometimes those tiny nuances are what decide a match," Milenković said. He added that the squad must be ready to operate in multiple formations, whether four at the back or three, and that adaptability will be a key factor in their success. Glasner also stressed the importance of a cultural shift within the dressing room.
"One of my first messages was: ‘If you only do the same, you will always get the same results.’ The lads were receptive after a difficult season. No one wants to be stuck fighting relegation," he noted. "We believe we can finish higher than 16th, but we must stay realistic.
Our aim is to create an environment where individuals improve, characters develop, and egos are channeled for the benefit of the team." Statistically, Forest suffered a 21‑point drop between the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 seasons, a decline only exceeded by Liverpool and Wolves, both of which also entered the new campaign with fresh managers. While Wolves are now in 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 too many changes; we need continuity for everyone. Once we have that, we can start talking about establishing ourselves in the top half of the table, but we must be humble and progress step by step." Training sessions will be the crucible for this progress. "We have time to train, time to improve, and it is our responsibility to make the most of it.
We will not simply wait for Saturday matches; we will push the players to work harder every day," Glasner promised. 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 traditionally stemmed from collective cohesion rather than reliance on individual stars, Forest does possess a handful of players capable of changing a game in an instant, offering a useful blend of teamwork and individual quality. Glasner admitted that the combination of the squad’s talent and Marinakis’s ambition convinced him to join Forest, even though the club had not originally been on his radar.
"The quality of the players and the owner’s drive are exactly what attracted me," he said. "There is plenty to be excited about, but the task ahead is equally demanding." Supporters may be satisfied with a steady Premier League presence after the recent European adventure, yet Marinakis is known for his impatience and desire for rapid progress. Glasner emphasizes that his meticulous, detail‑oriented approach aligns with the owner’s expectations, but he must now deliver a clear, actionable plan to secure his long‑term future at the club. Can this Austrian tactician, who has repeatedly defied the odds, once again turn a modest club into a competitive force?
Only time will tell, but the foundations he is laying—discipline, structure, and a relentless work ethic—suggest that Forest may be on the cusp of a new era of stability and success.