Glasner impact and key questions - lessons from Nottingham Forest's pre-season

It is played two, won two for the Reds so far in pre-season. They have scored a combined total of five goals and kept clean-sheets in both matches, against Notts County and Blackburn Rovers.

Glasner has stated there is still work to be done ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Forest have a month to go before they host Leeds United in their opening game on August 22.

Nevertheless, it has been a positive first two weeks of their summer programme for the Reds. The Nottingham Post takes a look at what we have learned so far and what questions are still to be answered…

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It wasn’t really a great surprise when Forest took to the Meadow Lane pitch for their first pre-season outing deploying a back three formation. Glasner had insisted in his unveiling press conference he wasn’t tied to a particular set-up, but this tended to be his go-to one prior to his switch to the City Ground.

Different XIs have been named in each half of the two friendlies played but the system has been the same. As much as there is flexibility, the signs point to this being the way forward for the Reds.

Glasner has said it is defensively where there is the most work still to do. Adapting to his way of playing requires a bit of getting used to for the players, with wing-backs particularly important in this system.

Forest have put together some lovely passages of play so far. With the goals flowing and chances being created, confidence is high.

Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo have both scored twice and Taiwo Awoniyi also has a goal to his name. Chris Wood will no doubt be keen to get among the action now he has linked up with the squad.

During his time at Crystal Palace, teams who set up with a low block proved tricky for Glasner to overcome. It is difficult to get a sense of how he will look to counter that, given it is still early days and friendlies are not the same kind of test.

It is clear he wants his defenders to be comfortable on the ball, though, and capable of turning defence into attack - as Jair Cunha demonstrated against Blackburn. There has been a lot to like about the Reds going forward in their first two games.

The Nigel Doughty Academy has long been a source of pride for Forest. It looks like the club have some bright prospects in the ranks currently, and Glasner has not been afraid to give youth a chance in the past.

Zach Abbott is the most recent product of the production line and has made the step up to the first team. He has looked comfortable at that level since making his breakthrough and has done well in pre-season so far.

As has Grady McDonnell. The 18-year-old joined the academy this summer and has quickly impressed.

McDonnell has started the second half of the Reds’ first two friendlies and has looked very assured. For any youngster, forcing their way into a Premier League side is not easy but it seems the club have some exciting talent coming through.

The countdown to the big kick-off is well and truly on. But who will be in the starting XI for the opener at the City Ground?

One new face has already come through the door, in Xaver Schlager, and another looks to be on the way in Ousmane Diomande. Forest will do further business beyond that, with ins and outs expected.

Glasner is at the start of his tenure and players are eager to catch his eye. Against Blackburn, Morgan Gibbs-White and James McAtee played together behind Jesus but how does the manager fit his wingers in? And with Chris Wood to come into the equation, is Jesus better in one of the two No.10 roles behind a front man rather than leading the line?

What will be the preferred midfield partnership? Schlager will want to play, as the new man and someone who knows Glasner well. Could he work with Ibrahim Sangare?

The Reds head coach is still getting to know his squad. He will be forming his own opinions on who will have a part to play next season and to what extent.

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