Forest’s slow start ramps up scrutiny on Glasner and Delap

Nottingham Forest find themselves in a precarious position after a difficult start that leaves them 19th in the Premier League. The lack of goals at home — zero so far — and only a single point at the City Ground have increased scrutiny on manager Oliver Glasner and striker Liam Delap.

What happened

Forest are 19th in the Premier League following a start that has not delivered on expectations after the summer arrivals of a highly regarded manager and a reported £45m striker. The team has failed to score at home, registering zero home goals, and have managed just one point at the City Ground. The club’s owner is described as not the patient type, and attention has turned to Glasner’s tactics and Delap’s role as they prepare for Delap’s return.

The tactical reading

The situation suggests Glasner’s approach has yet to produce the intended attacking returns at the City Ground, and the emphasis on adapting tactics is growing. The combination of a high-profile manager and an expensive forward failing to influence home matches points to potential mismatches between game plan and personnel or to issues with how attacking roles are being executed.

This sequence also points to increased pressure on selection and responsibility in the forward areas. With Delap returning to the squad, decisions on how he is used and whether the tactical shape is adjusted to create clearer chances for him could be decisive. The owner’s low tolerance for poor results likely amplifies the need for tactical flexibility and immediate improvement in goal production, particularly at home.

Sources

• The Guardian: Nottingham Forest’s false start places early focus on Glasner and Delap