Luca Netz ready to take ‘next step’ at Nottingham Forest after Oliver Glasner talks

Luca Netz believes he is ready to establish himself at Nottingham Forest after using his first six months in England to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old arrived from Borussia Mönchengladbach for €2.5million on deadline day in January but was given limited opportunities during Forest's battle against relegation.

Netz made seven appearances and played 355 minutes before the end of the campaign. Now, after completing his first full pre-season with the club and working closely with new manager Oliver Glasner, the defender is targeting a much bigger role.

Speaking to Transfermarkt ahead of the new Premier League season, Netz explained that his difficult introduction to English football has helped prepare him for what comes next.

Rather than being frustrated by his limited involvement last season, Netz views those months as an important adaptation period.

“The Premier League has been something special for me from the very beginning,” he said.

“By now, I know the league, the intensity, and the high tempo much better, and I know what to expect. The first few months here gave me a lot, and I was able to gain valuable experience.”

The German now wants to turn that experience into regular football.

“Last season, the priority for me was simply settling into the Premier League. Now I want to take the next step, cement my place here, and help the team as much as possible.”

That opportunity could come under Glasner.

Forest appointed the Austrian this summer, and his preference for using wing-backs could suit Netz's attacking qualities on the left.

Netz has already received positive feedback from his new manager following an intensive pre-season.

Completing the entire preparation programme has also given him something he did not have after arriving midway through last season.

“We had an intense pre-season with our new coach; we trained well and had plenty of discussions,” Netz explained.

“For me personally, it makes a huge difference to have completed a full pre-season with the team for the first time.”

Netz also found the net during Forest's preparations, although he insists his fitness and understanding of Glasner's demands are considerably more important than his goal.

“Of course, it was nice to wrap up the pre-season with a goal. But what’s far more important is that I feel fit and ready, and I’m heading into the new season highly motivated.”

The managerial change could prove particularly significant for Netz.

Glasner has introduced his own tactical ideas since taking charge, and a system involving wing-backs potentially gives the former Gladbach defender a natural route into the team.

Netz has responded positively to the change and revealed that communication with Glasner has been straightforward, helped by their ability to speak German together.

“Naturally, a new coach brings fresh momentum, a new approach, and new ideas,” he said.

“I really like it so far; we get along very well, and of course, it’s also great that we can converse in German.”

Forest's opening weeks should provide a clearer indication of where Netz stands in Glasner's plans.

After spending his first months in England learning about the speed and physical demands of the Premier League, the left-back is no longer approaching the season simply as a player trying to settle.

His objective now is considerably clearer: turn a positive pre-season into a regular place in the Nottingham Forest side.

Can Luca Netz establish himself as Nottingham Forest’s first-choice left wing-back under Oliver Glasner this season?