Glasner's plan for 'stability with success' at Nottingham Forest

Oliver Glasner is embarking on his first season as Nottingham Forest boss after steering Crystal Palace to a European trophy last season; Evangelos Marinakis wants success to be replicated at Forest - but can Glasner strike again?; Forest's season kicks off against Leeds on Saturday

Oliver Glasner is not necessarily known for being a disciplinarian. Meticulous, yes. A self-proclaimed workaholic. But not a coach who rains down rules. At Nottingham Forest that might have to change.

Glasner has carved a reputation as one of Europe's most tactically astute managers. Evidence can be seen throughout his career, peaking during a standout spell at Eintracht Frankfurt. There, he masterminded a Europa League triumph against significant odds and begun to catch the eye of various Premier League suitors.

In 2024, Glasner was lured to the shores of the south coast, tasked with evolving Crystal Palace's playing style, a spell so successful that Palace won three trophies during his two-year charge. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sees the potential for the same to be replicated at Forest.

But first, the Austrian has to establish some ground rules after such a period of instability at the City Ground, working their way through four managers in the last 12 months. "Great talent is here," Glasner tells Sky Sports from Forest's training base in West Bridgford.

"But sometimes, this is what we have to look at, the atmosphere is maybe a little bit too laid back. We really must find the balance between hard work on the pitch, giving the best, and all coming together to get to our top level. We want the best version of every single player."

Pre-season is of course a period that allows for more laxity. "Players have shown great effort and spirit in sessions, for me, that is the foundation," Glasner continues. But there is a serious side, too.

Forest's managerial merry-go-round paid a great debt to consistency last term. They also played 56 games after earning re-entry into Europe for the first time in 30 years. Given the vast upheaval, it's quite a remarkable feat that they managed to feature in a Europa League semi-final.

Now progress relies on gaining a more sure Premier League footing. Forest have switched to Glasner's favoured system and are quietly reshaping the squad to his needs. Centre-back Ousmane Diomande is their standout summer signing, but Glasner, a former defender himself, is pushing for "one or two more".

The 51-year-old's playing philosophy is rooted in structure. His sides are well-drilled, combative and detail-oriented, often outperforming expectations thanks to a smart blend of open play and set-piece efficiency. They do not need to be possession-dominant to be dangerous.

Players have responded well, with plenty of pruning taking place in pre-season. "He is a bit of a perfectionist," Nikola Milenkovic reveals. "He goes through small details. Sometimes that is what really decides a game.

"Playing four at the back or three, that is up to the manager, we have to be able to adapt to every system he wants to play and put our biggest investment on the pitch."

Glasner continues: "The players have been really open.