Nottingham Forest Faces Frustration in Premier League Opener Against Leeds
Nottingham Forest’s manager, Oliver Glasner, found himself in a moment of contemplation after the final whistle of his first Premier League match, as he applauded the departing crowd at City Ground. The game ended in disappointment for Forest, who experienced a late defeat to Leeds when Anton Stach scored from a free-kick with just two minutes remaining.
In stark contrast, Leeds manager Daniel Farke celebrated joyfully with the traveling fans, marking a successful start to the season. Forest’s aim for stability comes in the wake of a tumultuous previous season that saw them cycle through four managers. Glasner acknowledged the challenge ahead, reminding everyone that it is too early for judgment following just one match.
“There is no button to press,” he emphasized. “There are still a lot of things to do. It was pretty clear I can’t come with my staff and we lay the hands on the shoulder, and all of a sudden we play like Real Madrid in the 70s. That was clear, but I could see a team who worked very hard to get the win.”
The last encounter between these two teams saw Forest suffer a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road, leading to the dismissal of their former manager, Sean Dyche. Glasner’s tenure began with a familiar squad, as many players from last season’s line-up continued, with significant additions still pending.
Despite missing out on a more promising start, there were moments to rally optimism. Forest created numerous chances during the match, with Igor Jesus notably missing a fine opportunity in the second half and Nikola Milenkovic hitting the post. Glasner’s strategy to employ wing-backs was evident, yet the absence of newcomers in the starting eleven gave the home side a stale feeling.
After having welcomed 13 new players the previous summer, the returning familiar faces meant the squad looked somewhat static, especially with eight of the players also having participated in the opening-day win last season. New signings Ousmane Diomande and Xaver Schlager were introduced late into the match, but the encounter did not evoke a sense of a fresh beginning.
Glasner reflected on the necessity for further recruitment, especially following the departure of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million. “It’s now getting confidence in what we are doing,” he stated. “No new player played today. We could see a few players probably were not in the best physical shape.”
Looking ahead, Glasner confirmed that Forest is targeting two to three new signings, indicating a shift in strategy to prioritize quality over quantity as the transfer window progresses. The urgency for reinforcements is clear, especially in light of players like Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White, who are expected to contribute significantly.
As Forest prepares for their upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Leeds, Glasner remains optimistic, despite the setback. “This [a defeat] always gives me great feedback on how we deal with this situation,” he remarked, expressing a focus on improvement as the team aims for recovery.
Oliver Glasner stood in the centre circle after the final whistle and applauded the rapidly emptying City Ground.
It was almost apologetic from the Austrian after his first Premier League game as Nottingham Forest manager ended in frustration with a late defeat to Leeds.
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There was the contrast to Leeds manager Daniel Farke’s celebrations with the away fans after Anton Stach’s free-kick deceived Matz Sels with two minutes left.
Forest were always going to be a work in progress and desperately need stability after going through four managers last season. Glasner will be looking to deliver it and it is not time to judge after just one game, something the head coach was keen to emphasis.
“There is no button to press,” said the 51-year-old. “There are still a lot of things to do.
“It was pretty clear I can’t come with my staff and we lay the hands on the shoulder, and all of a sudden we play like Real Madrid in the 70s. That was clear but I could see a team who worked very hard to get the win.”
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The last time Forest played Leeds, on a dark February Friday night at Elland Road, Sean Dyche’s 114-day reign was about to end.
A 3-1 defeat and player unrest led to his dismissal days later, following a 0-0 draw with Wolves.
Glasner, of course, was not even Dyche’s replacement with Vitor Pereira steering Forest to safety and the Europa League semi-final before being sacked in June to make way for the former Crystal Palace boss.
The optimism which came with Glasner’s appointment will not be wiped out by an underwhelming defeat and Forest showed enough to argue they should have won.
They created the better openings – Igor Jesus missed a fine second-half header and Nikola Milenkovic hit the post – and the structure of how Glasner wants to use width with his wing-backs was evident.
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But no new signings in Glasner’s starting XI left the hosts looking a little stale, with the City Ground struggling to rouse itself as the game proved anti-climatic.
After 13 new players arrived last summer – and the 21 players signed in 2022 after promotion – the Forest line-up had a unusual familiarity following the summer break.
Eight of the starting XI were including in Nuno Espirito Santo’s team in the opening-day win over Brentford last season.
Summer arrivals Ousmane Diomande and Xaver Schlager came on with 17 minutes left and this did not have the feeling of a new era.
Arguably, they are weaker following Elliot Anderson’s £116m move to Manchester City in July. It is a side in need of an injection of new faces.
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“It’s now getting confidence in what we are doing,” said Glasner. “No new player played today. We could see a few players probably were not in the best physical shape, Murillo returned three weeks ago after four months out injured.
“Chris Wood missed two friendlies with minor issues. I could see many positives and encouraging parts but it is a process.”
Forest targeting two new signings
Glasner said after victory in their final friendly against Stade Brest last Sunday that Forest were working on “two or three” deals.
Last summer, five of their signings came in the last 12 days with winger Dilane Bakwa joining on deadline day and there is time left for reinforcements.
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Forest are looking at quality over quantity and moving with precision in the window takes more time, especially in their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, with the Sweden international now likely to stay in north London.
But Forest need the fresh impetus, the new faces and voices to add to the quality they already possess in Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White in particular.
“I don’t expect anyone for Tuesday but two more players, two different positions. The club is working hard to get the deals done and that’s it,” said Glasner.
Matz Sels was beaten at his near post by Anton Stach’s late free kick [Getty Images]
Leeds boss Daniel Farke is the third-longest serving Premier League manager after moving to Elland Road in July 2023.
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Only Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery are ahead of the German, who is looking to consolidate in the Premier League.
Last season’s 14th place gives Farke the foundation for success this season.
They can be an example to Forest of how to build with the same head coach and Forest have ambitions to return to Europe having reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season.
This defeat can be a minor setback if there is a quick recovery – starting at home against Leeds again in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
“This [a defeat] always gives me a great feedback, how we deal with this situation,” added Glasner. “We do not bury our heads in the sand so we are focusing on what we need to do and what we have done well.”
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