Nottingham Forest have appointed Oliver Glasner as their new head coach, the club confirmed, less than 24 hours after parting ways with Vitor Pereira. The swift appointment reflects owner Evangelos Marinakis’s desire to reshape the club ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Pereira had guided Forest to Premier League safety and a Europa League semi-final appearance last season, but Marinakis reportedly wasn’t convinced he was the long-term solution. Sources indicate the owner had been evaluating alternative candidates for several weeks, initially targeting Marco Silva, who ultimately chose to join Benfica.
Glasner emerged as a leading candidate after Forest made contact with the Austrian last week, following his departure from Crystal Palace at the end of the previous season. Discussions progressed quickly, and the club moved to finalise the appointment once the clause allowing Pereira’s departure was activated on July 1st.
Crucially, Glasner received assurances regarding his role in recruitment, a significant factor in his decision to accept the position. He will have a much greater say over transfer strategy and the club’s long-term football vision than his predecessor. Marinakis views Glasner as a coach capable of establishing a clear football identity and building on Forest’s recent progress.
Glasner, 51, had also held talks with Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan this summer, making his arrival at the City Ground a coup for Forest. The club has reportedly promised him funds, partially generated from the £130 million sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, to strengthen the squad. Forest expect Glasner’s arrival to aid their recruitment efforts, given his reputation for developing talent and building competitive teams.
The quick change underscores Forest’s determination to move forward with a new approach, despite Pereira’s achievements. The club believes Glasner is the coach to take them to the next level, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
