Oliver Glasner has taken over as Nottingham Forest head coach, driven by ambition and the promise of European football. The Austrian manager signed a three-year contract after meeting club owner Evangelos Marinakis over a seafood platter in Athens, where the owner’s vision convinced him to join.
Glasner’s Ambition and Forest’s European Push
Glasner wants to bring back the “sweet honey” of European competition to the City Ground. Forest narrowly avoided relegation last season but reached the Europa League semi-finals, showing their potential. The new boss believes the club can grow further, with talks already underway for key signings.
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Key Transfer Targets
Forest are targeting Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a club-record signing to replace Elliot Anderson, sold to Manchester City. Midfielder Xaver Schlager is close to joining on a free transfer after leaving RB Leipzig. Glasner hopes to have at least two new players for next week’s Portugal training camp.
Comparison: Glasner vs. Previous Forest Managers
| Manager | Tenure | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver Glasner | 2025–present | FA Cup, Conference League winner at Crystal Palace |
| Vítor Pereira | 2024–2025 | Relegation avoidance, Europa League semi-finals |
| Steve Cooper | 2021–2024 | Promotion to Premier League |
Key Takeaways from Glasner’s Appointment
- Ambitious owner: Marinakis is one of the few people more ambitious than Glasner.
- European focus: Glasner aims to restore European football to Forest after a season without it.
- Patience required: He admits success will take three to six months to implement his system.
- Transfer activity: Two or more signings expected before the Portugal camp.
What Glasner Brings to Nottingham Forest
Glasner won the FA Cup, Conference League, and Community Shield at Crystal Palace, proving his ability to exceed expectations. He said, “I’m no magician. I didn’t find the button players can press and all of sudden we win the Premier League.” His methodical approach focuses on building habits over time.
The Austrian’s appointment came after Forest sacked Vítor Pereira, feeling the opportunity to hire Glasner was too good to miss. Glasner praised the club’s hierarchy as “very hard-working” in their pursuit.
FAQ
Why did Oliver Glasner join Nottingham Forest?
Glasner was convinced by owner Evangelos Marinakis’s ambition during a meeting over seafood in Athens, and he wants to bring European football back to the club.
What transfers are Nottingham Forest planning?
Forest are targeting Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham as a club-record signing and Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, with at least two new players expected before the Portugal camp.
How long will it take for Glasner’s system to work?
Glasner says it takes three to six months for players to fully adopt his habits and tactics, cautioning that success won’t happen overnight.
Nottingham Forest fans can look forward to a new era under Glasner, with European ambitions and strategic signings. The club is poised for growth, but patience will be key as the manager builds his vision.