NOTTINGHAM FOREST MAKE LAST-MINUTE PRE-SEASON DECISION AS GLASNER RAMPS UP NEW SEASON PLANS
NOTTINGHAM FOREST MAKE LAST-MINUTE PRE-SEASON DECISION AS GLASNER RAMPS UP NEW SEASON PLANS
Nottingham Forest have made a surprise adjustment to their pre-season schedule as new head coach Oliver Glasner continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
The Reds have confirmed they will play an additional friendly during their training camp in Portugal, giving Glasner another valuable opportunity to assess his players before the new season gets underway.
With expectations rising following Forest’s impressive performances last season, every decision made during pre-season is being closely watched. Glasner, who took charge earlier this summer, appears determined to leave no stone unturned as he prepares his team for the challenges that lie ahead.
The extra fixture is expected to provide game time for players returning from injury, new signings looking to settle into the squad, and several academy prospects hoping to impress the coaching staff.
Rather than sticking to the original schedule, Forest have opted to maximise their preparations, a move that reflects Glasner’s meticulous approach since arriving at the City Ground.
The Austrian manager has already begun implementing his tactical ideas during training, with an emphasis on intensity, organisation and quick transitions. Adding another match to the itinerary will allow him to test different formations and partnerships before competitive football returns.
Supporters have welcomed the decision, believing extra minutes on the pitch can only benefit a squad aiming to build on last season’s progress.
Forest’s Portugal camp has been viewed as one of the most important periods of the summer, with players working hard to adapt to Glasner’s methods. The manager has reportedly been impressed by the commitment shown in training but knows that match situations provide the clearest indication of who is ready for the Premier League.
Several players are expected to use the additional friendly to strengthen their claims for a place in the starting XI, while younger members of the squad could also be handed a valuable opportunity to showcase their talent.
Competition for places is already fierce, and Glasner has made it clear that performances on the training ground and in pre-season matches will influence his team selection when the campaign begins.
The decision also highlights Forest’s ambition. Rather than easing into the season, the club are ensuring every possible opportunity is used to sharpen fitness, improve chemistry and fine-tune tactics.
Fans are particularly eager to see how the team’s new signings integrate with the existing squad and whether Glasner’s philosophy can quickly translate into results on the pitch.
While pre-season results rarely define an entire campaign, strong preparations often lay the foundation for success. Forest will hope the extra fixture helps eliminate any rustiness and allows players to enter the new season at peak condition.
With the Premier League opener fast approaching, the additional match could prove to be one of the smartest decisions of Forest’s summer.
Whether it leads to tactical breakthroughs, standout individual performances or simply increased match sharpness, one thing is certain—Oliver Glasner is doing everything possible to ensure Nottingham Forest are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
For Forest supporters, that’s exactly the kind of commitment they want to see from their new manager as excitement continues to build ahead of another crucial Premier League season.
