Oliver Glasner believes Nottingham Forest can follow Aston Villa's example and eventually challenge for Champions League football, although the manager accepts progress will need to come “step by step”.
The Austrian took charge at the City Ground this summer after leaving Crystal Palace, with owner Evangelos Marinakis convincing him of the club's ambitions during a personal meeting.
Forest subsequently reshaped Glasner's squad while maintaining financial balance. The club reportedly spent around €138million on additions including Liam Delap, Ousmane Diomande, Daniel Muñoz and Gustavo Sá, while generating €138.2million through departures.
Now Glasner has outlined how far he believes Forest could eventually go.
Glasner points to Aston Villa as Forest example
Forest have experienced considerable fluctuation since returning to the Premier League, finishing 16th, 17th, seventh and 16th across their four seasons back in the top flight.
Glasner believes there is scope for the club to establish itself higher up the table and has identified Aston Villa as evidence of what can be achieved.
“Expanding the stadium is a first step toward creating the necessary conditions,” Glasner said.
“But why shouldn’t it be possible to become like Aston Villa? In other words, getting a taste of the Champions League, even if you might miss out on it again later.”
The comparison suggests Glasner's ambitions extend beyond merely establishing Forest as a comfortable Premier League side.
Keeping Morgan Gibbs-White despite another busy summer in the transfer market has also ensured one of the club's key players remains part of the project.
Forest must improve attacking performances
Forest's immediate results show there remains considerable work to do before Champions League ambitions become realistic.
Glasner's side have won only one of their opening five league matches, although that victory came against the Aston Villa team he has now cited as an example.
The Forest manager believes there are nevertheless encouraging signs, particularly defensively.
“On the positive side, we’re conceding very few dangerous chances,” Glasner said.
His concern is at the other end of the pitch, especially at the City Ground.
“We need to improve our attacking play, especially at home. We’ve only had one home league win in 2026 so far.”
For now, Glasner insists Forest's development must happen “step by step”.
Long-term ambition meets short-term challenge
The contrast between Forest's Champions League ambition and their current form is clear.
Glasner is not suggesting his side are ready to compete at that level immediately. Instead, his Aston Villa comparison provides an indication of the longer-term trajectory he believes is possible if Forest continue strengthening both their squad and infrastructure.
The more pressing challenge is improving their attacking output and home form.
If Glasner can combine that progress with the defensive foundations he already sees developing, Forest can begin turning their manager's wider ambition into something more tangible.
Key Points
- Oliver Glasner believes Nottingham Forest can eventually challenge for Champions League football.
- The Forest manager has pointed to Aston Villa as an example of what the club could become.
- Forest reportedly spent €138million this summer while bringing in €138.2million from player sales.
- Glasner is encouraged by how few dangerous chances his team are conceding.
- He believes Forest must improve their attacking play, particularly at home.
- Forest have won only one of their opening five Premier League matches.
What’s Next?
Forest's immediate priority is producing the attacking improvement Glasner has demanded and building more consistent results at the City Ground. Champions League qualification remains a long-term ambition rather than an immediate expectation, with the manager making clear that progress must come one step at a time.
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