Nottingham Forest's new head coach, Oliver Glasner, has addressed the club's recent managerial merry-go-round with a touch of humour, comparing his new role to a marriage he hopes will not end in divorce. The Austrian, who signed a three-year contract, is the fifth manager to take the helm at the City Ground in less than a year, highlighting the significant challenge he faces in bringing consistency to the club.
Glasner's appointment follows a turbulent period for Forest, which saw Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche, and Vitor Pereira all depart swiftly. Postecoglou's tenure lasted a mere 39 days, while Pereira's dismissal came just minutes before a crucial contract clause expired. This rapid turnover underscores the high-pressure environment Glasner is stepping into, despite his impressive recent achievements with Crystal Palace.
The 51-year-old arrives with a winning pedigree, having guided Crystal Palace to both the FA Cup and the Europa Conference League in the past two seasons before his departure in May. This success aligns with owner Evangelos Marinakis's demands for silverware and stability. Glasner emphasised his commitment to a long-term vision, stating, "Nobody wants to get divorced. I never sign and think about getting sacked. I just think: 'OK, what do we have to do to bring success to the club?'"
Glasner also reflected on the broader trend of short managerial tenures in English football. A recent study by the League Managers Association revealed that the average tenure of sacked Premier League managers is now less than a year, a stark contrast to over three years as recently as the 2021-22 season. Across all English leagues, there were 43 managerial sackings last season, a 2% increase, and 65 overall managerial movements, up 12%.
Regarding his tactical approach, Glasner, known for utilising a back three at both Crystal Palace and Eintracht Frankfurt, indicated flexibility. He stated that he would assess the squad to find a system where players feel comfortable and can perform in their best positions. His first test with the new squad will be an opening pre-season friendly against local rivals Notts County this Saturday.