Nottingham Forest: Glasner’s ambition and European football aspirations
Oliver Glasner has expressed his ambition to bring European football back to Nottingham Forest, stating that the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, shares a similar level of ambition. Glasner joined Forest after a period at Crystal Palace, where he won the FA Cup and the Europa Conference League.
Glasner’s decision to join Forest was influenced by discussions with Marinakis in Athens, where they met over a seafood meal. He signed a three-year contract with Forest, becoming the club’s fifth head coach in a relatively short period. The Austrian manager met the Forest squad on his first day and conveyed his enthusiasm for the club’s potential for growth, particularly after a season where they avoided relegation and reached the Europa League semi-finals.
Forest is reportedly pursuing the signing of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, aiming for a club-record deal. This move follows the sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. Glasner hopes to see at least two new signings join the team for an upcoming training camp in Portugal. Midfielder Xaver Schlager, who recently left RB Leipzig, is reportedly close to joining Forest on a free transfer.
Glasner’s Vision and Challenges
Glasner acknowledged that the club’s hierarchy worked diligently to appoint him. He believes he can achieve success at the City Ground, but cautioned that results would not be immediate. He noted that it typically takes several months for players to fully adopt new habits and systems.
Glasner emphasized that he is not a “magician” and that success requires hard work and consistency from everyone involved. His goal is to move the team closer to European qualification spots. He reflected on the team’s previous experience in European football, describing it as “sweet honey,” and expressed a desire for future seasons to be even “sweeter.”
During his discussions with Marinakis, Glasner felt he had found someone with an ambition that matched or even exceeded his own. He believes this shared ambition will drive both of them. However, he also stressed that ambition alone does not guarantee silverware, and that building consistency is crucial before discussing trophies.
Glasner used analogies, including food-related ones, to explain his philosophy. He spoke about finding the right “ingredients” to create a “great meal” and achieve success. He also addressed the need for stability, comparing it to a marriage, and highlighting that while everyone desires long-term relationships, the reality of football often differs. He sees stability and consistency as the foundation for success, a belief shared by the owner.
The club’s rich history as two-time European champions was a factor in enticing Glasner, though he stressed the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past achievements. He expressed confidence that collective effort and working towards a common goal would lead to success and make both those within and outside the club happy.
Transition and Former Club
Glasner dismissed suggestions that joining Forest, which took Palace’s place in the Europa League after Palace’s expulsion by Uefa, would negatively impact his legacy at his former club. He expressed gratitude for his time at Crystal Palace, describing it as a “wonderful journey” and highlighting the positive memories created.
He noted that many former Palace players have moved on to other prominent clubs, which he views as a normal part of football. Glasner maintained that he gave his full commitment to Crystal Palace during his tenure and remains in contact with many of his former players, including texting Marc Guéhi on his birthday.
Forest will host Leeds in the first game of the new Premier League season on Saturday, August 22.
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Source: theguardian.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
