Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner has delivered a stark reality check after his team's consecutive defeats to Leeds United. Speaking after a 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Daniel Farke's side, Glasner stated his squad is far from where they want to be as they prepare for a Premier League trip to Liverpool. The Athletic reported his comments this week.
Forest currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with zero points from their opening match, having lost their first game and conceded one goal without scoring. They are three points behind early leaders Brighton. Their next challenge is an away fixture against 10th-placed Liverpool on Saturday, 29 August 2026.
What did Oliver Glasner say about the Leeds losses?
Glasner did not sugarcoat the situation following the double defeat to Leeds. He pointed to the clear gap in development between the two sides. "We have to accept the reality," Glasner said. "When you play Leeds twice and lose twice, it means that Leeds are further along than we are right now." The Austrian head coach, who was appointed in July after his time at Crystal Palace, emphasised that there are no quick fixes for his team.
He connected the recent results to the club's turbulent recent past and a significant summer departure. Glasner noted the team endured nine months in a relegation battle last season before losing their top midfielder, Elliot Anderson, to Manchester City in a £116 million transfer. The current squad has only been together for six weeks of training.
How is the squad shaping up after the transfer window?
The club is working to strengthen the group despite the high-profile exit. Nottingham Forest have agreed a club-record deal to sign striker Liam Delap from Chelsea. The base fee is £45 million, with possible add-ons taking the total to £50 million. Glasner gave no comment on the impending arrival when questioned, focusing instead on the players currently at his disposal.
This period of transition is reflected in the early season form. You can view the full squad details on our squad page. The team's immediate task is to find a way to score, having failed to net in their first competitive outing this season. Their goal difference stands at minus one.
What is the context of Forest's current league position?
Just over a year ago, the club finished a promising seventh in the Premier League. The contrast with the present struggle highlights the scale of the challenge Glasner faces. The manager's message is one of patience and hard work over expecting a sudden saviour. "Nine months of a relegation battle, losing your top midfielder and now we have had six weeks together - the reality is that there is no magician, no messiah there is just hard work," he stated.
The upcoming match at Anfield represents a formidable test. Liverpool, placed 10th, will be looking to improve their own start. Forest's recent form is marked by an L, and they will need a much-improved performance to get a result. Fans can track the team's progress throughout the season on our standings page.
What comes next for Nottingham Forest?
The immediate focus is squarely on the trip to Merseyside. After that, the schedule offers a chance to build momentum, but it requires points on the board. The integration of any new signings, like Delap, will be key to turning the season around. The manager's clear-eyed assessment suggests he knows the path forward will be difficult.
Glasner's call for realism is a foundation for the work ahead. The club's current league standing and early statistics provide a clear baseline. Supporters can follow all the upcoming matches on the club's fixtures list. For now, the message from the manager is unambiguous: progress will come from diligence on the training ground, not from waiting for a miracle.
