Nottingham Forest have parted ways with manager Vitor Pereira after a disappointing start to the Premier League season, with former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner emerging as the frontrunner to replace him.
Pereira's Dismissal
The Portuguese coach was sacked following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Monday, leaving Forest in 17th place with just one win from their opening eight league matches. The club's hierarchy acted swiftly, deciding that a change was necessary to avoid a relegation battle.
Pereira, who took over in July 2024 after Steve Cooper's departure, leaves the City Ground with a record of nine wins, 12 draws and 14 defeats in 35 games across all competitions. His tenure lasted just over 11 months.
Glasner Emerges as Favourite
Oliver Glasner, the Austrian manager who led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, is the leading candidate to take over. The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Bundesliga side at the end of last season.
According to sources close to the club, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has identified Glasner as the ideal candidate to implement a more structured and disciplined approach. The Greek shipping magnate is known for making swift managerial changes when results do not meet expectations.
Other Candidates Considered
While Glasner is the frontrunner, Forest have also considered former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter. However, both are reportedly reluctant to take on the challenge mid-season, given Forest's precarious league position.
The club is expected to move quickly to appoint a successor, with an announcement possible within the next 48 hours. Marinakis is keen to have a new manager in place before the next league fixture against Crystal Palace on October 21.
Impact on the Squad
The sacking has sent shockwaves through the dressing room, with several players expressing surprise at the timing. Pereira had retained the support of key players, including captain Ryan Yates and striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who praised his man-management skills.
However, results have been poor. Forest have lost five of their last six matches, conceding 14 goals in the process. The defensive fragility has been a major concern, with the team shipping three or more goals in four of those defeats.
What Glasner Would Bring
Glasner is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to organise a team defensively without sacrificing attacking intent. At Eintracht Frankfurt, he deployed a 3-4-2-1 system that made the team difficult to beat while allowing creative players like Daichi Kamada and Jesper Lindstrøm to flourish.
His appointment would likely signal a shift away from Pereira's more direct style towards a possession-based approach, though he has shown pragmatism in adapting to the strengths of his squad.
Forest's recruitment in recent windows has been heavy on attacking talent, including the signings of Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. Glasner's track record of developing young players could be key to unlocking their potential.
Relegation Threat Looms
Forest are currently just one point above the relegation zone, and the next few fixtures are critical. After Crystal Palace, they face Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brighton in a daunting run before the World Cup break.
Marinakis will hope that the new manager bounce can provide an immediate lift. In his previous stint at Olympiacos, the owner sacked three managers in a single season and still won the Greek title, so he is not afraid to make ruthless decisions.
Whether Glasner can replicate his European success in the Premier League remains to be seen, but Forest fans will be hoping for a swift turnaround under the Austrian's guidance.
