Oliver Glasner has today delivered his first press conference as Nottingham Forest’s new head coach.
Four days into pre-season training, the head coach has sat down with the media to discuss his appointment at the City Ground.
Oliver Glasner really rates Forest’s squad… which three players will go to the next level under him? 🚀
Glasner left Crystal Palace at the end of last season after winning the UEFA Conference League and will now aim to bring success to Forest.
After arriving at the City Ground, Glasner has delivered his verdict on Evangelos Marinakis and taken aim at Crystal Palace in a subtle manner.
What Oliver Glasner has said about Evangelos Marinakis
Glasner has seemingly highlighted once again that the only reason he’s left Palace is down to a lack of ambition.
There were reportedly claims that Glasner didn’t have the full backing of owner Steve Parish, with the head coach losing key players last summer who weren’t replaced.
Quizzed on Marinakis, Glasner said: “First of all, I want to mention this because it’s nothing new. I had two and a half fantastic years at Crystal Palace. I am really pleased I was part of that journey.
“But for me, it’s a new chapter. It’s about the project, the ambition and the vision. For me, if it is possible to exceed the expectations, then that is great.
“When we had talks, I found one of the few people more ambitious than I am, which is quite difficult. So I think we challenge each other with ambition.
“Every Premier League club is ambitious, every manager and player is ambitious. That doesn’t mean you will have success.
“So it doesn’t make sense after two days to talk about silverware. We need to build consistency. With the right ingredients in every area, hopefully we have a great meal and will be successful.”
“Over the summer, I had many teams contact me, and one of those was Nottingham Forest. Then I had a look at the squad and spoke to the owner.
“My goal was to stay in the Premier League because I’ve really enjoyed it for a long time.
“I know last season they struggled, but the season before they finished seventh and almost qualified for the Champions League.
“It’s a very talented squad and a very ambitious owner, and I think it could be a very exciting journey.”
Glasner must be backed by Forest
It’s great to hear that Glasner has been tempted to Forest by an exciting project, and people can say what they want about Marinakis, but his ambition is unrivalled.
Steve Parish failed to give Glasner the assurances he wanted over transfers and fair play to the head coach, he stayed true to his word and opted to leave the club.
Now, it’s vital that Marinakis doesn’t do exactly what Parish did and fail to back his manager, with Glasner likely to have wanted some sort of assurances over the players he’s going to get.
Forest will hope the window picks up a bit for them after the World Cup, and Glasner would like a player or two through the door before the pre-season trip to Portugal next week.
It’s vital that Marinakis gets this appointment right after four head coaches last season, and just maybe Glasner is the man to dispel the notion that the Forest owner is trigger-happy.
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