Nottingham Forest midfielder Xaver Schlager expressed confidence in the team’s progress under head coach Oliver Glasner following their first victory of the 2026-27 season. Forest secured a 2-1 win against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, with a second-half resurgence capped by a late goal from Igor Jesus.
Schlager highlighted the importance of patience as Glasner continues to implement his tactical approach. He noted that building a successful team requires time, drawing parallels with long-term coaching strategies common in American sports such as the NFL. “You need time,” Schlager said. “If you have a good plan but the first games don’t go well due to bad luck or other factors, it’s difficult. Sometimes a coach needs that time to get the system in place.”
Having worked with Glasner previously at Wolfsburg, Schlager praised the Austrian’s dedication and detailed approach. He described Glasner as a manager who is deeply involved and committed to winning, emphasizing the importance of following the strategic direction set by the coach. “He likes small details. He likes to plan everything,” Schlager said. “He does everything for the team and for the win, and that’s the most important thing — because the manager sets the direction, and we have to follow.”
The recent victory at Villa Park demonstrated the team beginning to embody Glasner’s vision. Schlager acknowledged that while the game was challenging, the performance reflected positive development: “We are getting better and better, and I think that’s the right direction.”
During the summer transfer window, Forest made adjustments to align the squad with Glasner’s style of play. Schlager explained that the coach has a clear plan in identifying players who fit his system, avoiding rushed or ill-suited signings. “He very directly says, ‘If the player can join, then I take him; if you cannot join, I won’t take another player because he didn’t fit,’” Schlager said. “He has a clear strategy, and this is good for everyone at the club.”
As Nottingham Forest looks to build on Saturday’s win, Schlager’s comments suggest the club is focused on steady improvement under Glasner’s leadership, emphasizing coherence and patience as key factors in the team’s development.