Xaver Schlager, who joined Nottingham Forest this summer as the club’s first signing under manager Oliver Glasner, has offered insight into the Austrian coach’s methods and approach. Schlager, a 28-year-old midfielder, previously played under Glasner for two years at German club Wolfsburg. During their tenure there, the team consistently secured European competition qualifications, including reaching the UEFA Champions League.

Since Glasner’s appointment at Nottingham Forest, the side experienced a challenging start to the season, going winless in their first four matches. Despite this, Glasner maintained a composed and steady approach, which Schlager describes as characteristic of the manager’s style. Schlager suggests that Glasner’s calmness during difficult periods eventually contributed to the team’s turnaround, exemplified by a positive result at Aston Villa.

The relationship between Glasner and Schlager is underscored by their shared history at Wolfsburg, where the midfielder was Glasner’s inaugural signing upon his arrival. Schlager’s familiarity with the manager’s system and expectations has positioned him as a key figure in establishing Glasner’s philosophy at Forest.

As the team works to improve its performance in the current campaign, Schlager’s experience and perspective provide valuable context for understanding the manager’s steady and patient approach during this transitional phase.