Oliver Glasner has joined Nottingham Forest as head coach, driven by the club's ambition to taste the "sweet honey" of European football again. The Austrian manager revealed that talks with owner Evangelos Marinakis over a seafood platter in Athens sealed the deal, marking a new chapter for the Premier League side.
Why Glasner Chose Nottingham Forest
Glasner, who won the FA Cup, Conference League, and Community Shield at Crystal Palace, signed a three-year contract after leaving Selhurst Park. He met the Forest squad on Monday and expressed enthusiasm about the club's growth potential after a season that saw them avoid relegation and reach the Europa League semi-finals. "These players felt the sweet honey of playing European football and this year it's just butter – no honey – on the toast. Hopefully, next year it will be sweeter," Glasner said.
The Marinakis Factor and Seafood Diplomacy
Glasner acknowledged that Marinakis may be one of few people more ambitious than him. The owner's persistence and vision were key, with the Austrian noting the club's hierarchy were "very hard-working" in their pursuit. The meeting over seafood in Athens symbolized the mutual drive for success.
Transfer Plans and New Signings
Forest are pushing to make Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall their club-record signing as they seek to replace Elliot Anderson, who was sold to Manchester City. Glasner is hopeful of at least two new signings joining for next week's Portugal training camp, with midfielder Xaver Schlager close to joining on a free after leaving RB Leipzig.
Comparison: Glasner vs. Previous Forest Managers
| Manager | Tenure | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver Glasner | 2025–present | Europa League semi-finals, FA Cup winner at Palace |
| Vítor Pereira | 2024–2025 | Premier League survival |
| Steve Cooper | 2021–2024 | Promotion to Premier League |
Key Takeaways from Glasner's Appointment
- Ambition: Marinakis and Glasner share a relentless drive for European success.
- Patience: Glasner warns it will take three to six months to see his methods take effect.
- Transfers: Record signing Bergvall and free agent Schlager highlight aggressive recruitment.
- European Focus: The goal is to consistently challenge for European places.
Glasner's Philosophy and Timeline
The 51-year-old emphasized that success won't happen overnight. "I'm no magician. I didn't find the button players can press and all of sudden we win the Premier League. Our goal is to come closer and closer to European places," he said. His track record at Palace shows he can build winning teams, but he needs time to instill new habits.
FAQ
Why did Oliver Glasner choose Nottingham Forest?
Glasner was convinced by owner Evangelos Marinakis's ambition during a meeting over seafood in Athens. He sees potential for the club to grow and return to European competition.
What is Glasner's record at Crystal Palace?
He won the FA Cup, Conference League, and Community Shield during his two-year tenure, demonstrating his ability to succeed at the highest level.
Who are Nottingham Forest targeting in the transfer window?
Forest are pursuing Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall for a club-record fee and are close to signing midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer from RB Leipzig.
With Glasner at the helm, Nottingham Forest are poised for an ambitious push toward European football. The combination of a visionary owner and a proven winner could bring the "sweet honey" back to the City Ground.
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