Xaver Schlager makes honest admission about club loyalty

Nottingham Forest midfielder Xaver Schlager has described football transfers as professional career decisions, insisting his priority is performing well regardless of which club he represents.

The 29-year-old Austria international joined Forest on a free transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer and has established himself as a regular starter under Oliver Glasner.

Speaking to Austrian newspaper Der Standard, Schlager reflected on his move to England, the impact of injuries and Forest's difficult start to the Premier League season.

His interview was conducted before Forest's 3-1 victory over Manchester City last Saturday.

"For me, football is football," Schlager told Der Standard.

"You have to be so honest that this is simply a job change like in any other industry."

The midfielder added: "In the end, it's about me playing good football no matter where."

His comments reflect a pragmatic approach to his career rather than any indication that he is considering leaving Nottingham Forest.

Schlager spent four seasons at Leipzig after three years with Wolfsburg, where he previously worked under Glasner.

Although injuries disrupted his time in Germany, he remains proud of his achievements.

"I had a great time in Leipzig," he explained.

"Many people in my time in Leipzig just remember the injury, but when I remember the first year, we won the Cup."

Asked whether he is currently enjoying the best form of his career, Schlager replied: "I wouldn't say that."

He believes improvement is rarely straightforward, with physical setbacks and less visible aspects of performance affecting a player's development.

Schlager also discussed the frustration of working hard without seeing immediate results.

"Right now, it's very sobering," he admitted.

"You put in so much effort day in, day out, and get absolutely nothing to show for it."

He revealed that his recent training workload had been particularly demanding.

"Over the last two or three months, I've trained harder than almost ever before in my life."

However, Schlager remained convinced that Forest's efforts would eventually produce better results.

"You can't afford to lose heart," he said.

"We have to push through this and keep believing in ourselves."

Forest subsequently defeated Manchester City 3-1, with Schlager helping create Liam Delap's first goal.

The victory provided encouragement after a difficult opening to the season.

Schlager has since withdrawn from Austria's squad because of a reported thigh problem, although the extent of the issue remains unclear.

Forest will assess Schlager's fitness following the international break as Glasner's side attempt to build on their victory over Manchester City.