Oliver Glasner has begun his tenure at Nottingham Forest with a clear list of priorities, including tactical reconfiguration, player assessment, and addressing the club's forward position. The Austrian manager, officially introduced at the City Ground on Thursday, acknowledged the short timeframe to prepare the squad for their opening match against Leeds on August 22.
Glasner, known for his successful 3-4-2-1 system at Crystal Palace, indicated that a similar formation might be adopted at Forest, though he stressed he does not aim to replicate 'Palace Two.' He plans to utilize two attacking midfielders behind a lone striker, with Morgan Gibbs-White a likely candidate for one of these roles, contingent on his continued presence at the club. Forest is actively pursuing Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Glasner also mentioned Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee as players he intends to work with, highlighting Hutchinson's ability to cut inside and shoot with his left foot. McAtee's inclusion in early discussions suggests Glasner believes he can develop the talented but inconsistent midfielder.
Squad Strengthening and Owner Expectations
The team faces gaps, particularly at right-back and the No. 9 position. Glasner recognizes the need for a reliable alternative to Ola Aina due to injury concerns and the age of Chris Wood. The club is reportedly prepared to invest in these areas. While specific targets were not confirmed, players like Daniel Munoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta have been linked.
Glasner’s arrival marks a departure from his predecessors' approach of heavily referencing the club's past European Cup successes under Brian Clough. He emphasized a focus on future progress and establishing consistency in the Premier League. "It's good to have a great history but great history doesn’t tell anything about the future," Glasner stated. "We want to make a step forward."
This direct approach signals Glasner's confidence and willingness to challenge expectations, including those of owner Evangelos Marinakis. Marinakis is known for his ambition, aiming for Forest to become regular Champions League contenders. Glasner acknowledged this dynamic, stating, "He is one of the few people I’ve met who are more ambitious than I am and that’s quite difficult. We will challenge each other with our ambition."
Glasner's mandate is to elevate Forest into a consistent top-half Premier League club, with aspirations for European qualification. The club intends to retain key players such as Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, and Murillo, barring significantly high transfer offers. Marinakis is expected to demand improved league performance, avoiding struggles at the lower end of the table. Glasner, who previously managed Frankfurt and Crystal Palace, appears unfazed by the managerial turnover at Forest, focusing on achieving early success to build momentum.
