Oliver Glasner has joined Nottingham Forest as head coach, bringing with him a vision to restore the “sweet honey” of European football to the club. In a move that surprised many, Glasner was convinced by owner Evangelos Marinakis over a seafood platter in Athens, signing a three-year contract after a successful stint at Crystal Palace.
Glasner’s Ambitious Vision for Nottingham Forest
Glasner, 51, met the Forest squad on his first day and expressed excitement about the club’s potential. He noted that Forest’s recent season—avoiding relegation and reaching the Europa League semi-finals—shows the team’s capacity for growth. “These players felt the sweet honey of playing European football and this year it’s just butter—no honey—on the toast,” Glasner said. “Hopefully, next year it will be sweeter.”
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Why Glasner Chose Forest Over Other Opportunities
The Austrian manager revealed that Marinakis’ ambition was a key factor. “I think there are few people more ambitious than me,” Glasner stated. “The club’s hierarchy is very hard-working.” Forest sacked Vítor Pereira to make way for Glasner, believing the opportunity to appoint him was too good to miss.
Transfer Plans and Squad Changes
Forest are pushing to sign Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a club-record signing, aiming to replace Elliot Anderson, who was sold to Manchester City. Glasner hopes to have at least two new signings for next week’s Portugal training camp, with midfielder Xaver Schlager close to joining on a free transfer from RB Leipzig.
Comparison of Glasner’s Achievements at Palace vs. Forest’s Recent Performance
| Aspect | Crystal Palace (2022-2024) | Nottingham Forest (2024-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Trophies Won | FA Cup, Conference League, Community Shield | None (recently avoided relegation) |
| European Qualification | Qualified for Europa League | Reached Europa League semi-finals |
| Managerial Stability | Glasner’s two-year tenure | Fifth head coach in 12 months |
| Key Signings | Built strong squad | Pursuing Lucas Bergvall |
Key Takeaways from Glasner’s Appointment
- Long-term vision: Glasner emphasizes that success takes three to six months to see initial results, warning he is “no magician.”
- European ambition: The goal is to return to European places, building on last season’s semi-final run.
- Transfer activity: Forest plans to make significant signings, including Bergvall and Schlager.
- Owner influence: Marinakis’ ambition and personal touch (seafood dinner) sealed the deal.
FAQ
Why did Oliver Glasner join Nottingham Forest?
Glasner was convinced by owner Evangelos Marinakis’ ambition during a meeting over seafood in Athens. He believes the club has potential to return to European football.
What are Glasner’s expectations for the season?
He expects a gradual improvement, noting it takes three to six months for his methods to show results. The goal is to compete for European places.
Who are Nottingham Forest targeting in the transfer window?
Forest is pursuing Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall as a club-record signing and midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer from RB Leipzig.