Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos has made a stunning prediction that Nottingham Forest will finish fifth in the Premier League this season. The retired midfielder expressed his faith in manager Oliver Glasner during an appearance on Luppen TV on TikTok this week.
Kroos laid out his top five, placing Manchester City first, Arsenal second, and Liverpool third. He then selected Chelsea for fourth and delivered his major surprise. "I’d put Nottingham Forest in there instead, because I’m a big fan of Glasner," Kroos said. He explained his reasoning by referencing recent struggles for other traditional powers. "In recent years I’ve had Manchester United perhaps not in there, Chelsea haven’t always been in the top five either, that has to be said, and United even less so."
This bold forecast comes as Forest sit 16th in the Premier League table with two points from their opening three matches. Their recent form reads DDL, following a draw with Liverpool, a loss to Leeds on the opening day, and a goalless draw at home to Tottenham. In that Tottenham match, a goal from Neco Williams was disallowed. The team has scored two goals and conceded three, leaving them with a minus-one goal difference and already seven points behind the early leaders, Manchester City.
Kroos's prediction hinges entirely on his belief in the work of Oliver Glasner. The Austrian manager is implementing a new system at the City Ground, and his tactical reputation from previous jobs clearly impressed the World Cup-winning midfielder. While the results have been mixed so far, the clean sheet against a strong Tottenham side suggests defensive solidity is being built. Forest's upcoming schedule, visible on our fixtures page, includes matches against Aston Villa and Coventry City before the international break, offering a chance to build momentum.
The notion of a fifth-place finish is viewed as highly unlikely by most observers, given the club's current position and the established strength of the traditional 'Big Six'. The primary aim for Glasner's side will be to secure Premier League safety and establish a consistent identity. The team's squad depth and quality will be tested over a long campaign, and details on player availability can be tracked via the club's injuries page. Kroos's comments, however flattering, serve more as a sign of Glasner's growing esteem among elite football figures than a realistic league target for this season.
Attention now turns to the next challenge. Forest's next fixture is at home against Fulham on January 2, 2027. Fulham currently occupy 19th place, making it a significant match in the context of the league table. A positive result at the City Ground would provide a tangible step towards the stability Kroos believes Glasner can bring.
