Oliver Glasner admitted Nottingham Forest were left to rue a single moment after Leeds United snatched a 1-0 win at the City Ground.
Forest had started the 2026/27 Premier League season with hopes of giving their new head coach a winning start. Instead, Anton Stach’s late free-kick settled a game where chances were few and far between.
Forest lost the game to Leeds United after an 88th-miute free kick settles the game.
Glasner wasn’t surprised by the way the match played out. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, the Forest boss said the game went pretty much as he expected.
“Well, it was the game I expected.”
The Austrian felt both teams were always likely to be separated by one incident, and that proved to be the case. Forest had some promising moments but couldn’t find the finish they needed.
“The one situation that will decide and one set-piece will decide. It was a game with very rare chances. Really disappointed, but this is what we have to expect today.”
Glasner sees positives despite defeat
Forest grew into the match as it went on, with the home side spending more time in Leeds territory after the break.
Glasner felt his team had greater control in the second half.
“It felt like in the second half that we controlled the game better. Moments where they didn’t play in our half, we played more in their half.”
That control and possession didn’t lead to the goal Forest needed.
Nikola Milenkovic come closest before half-time when his header struck the post while Igor Jesus also had chances, including a header at the back post that went wide.
At the other end, Matz Sels was forced into action to keep out a Tarik Muharemovic header before Leeds eventually found the winner through Stach.
“At the end, after the throw-in, then two mistakes, a free-kick and anything can happen. We all know how well Stach takes free-kicks.”
The Forest boss was happier with what he saw defensively, even though the result was disappointing.
Oliver Glasner points to work still needed
Glasner believes there is already a solid base to work from, but he knows the team is still getting used to his methods.
“This was positive. I just think we had a few situations when we played quick and we created some half chances. What we need to improve. Together for a few weeks, but def we are very stable. Still a lot of work to do.”
There was also a question about whether the defeat would change Forest’s plans in the transfer market.
Glasner said it hadn’t crossed his mind after the game.
“No, to be honest, I didn’t talk to anyone today. We wanted to start with a win. Now we have to deal with a defeat at home.”
The next challenge is to make sure Forest take something from the opening-day disappointment rather than allowing it to linger.
“We will face Leeds again here, and we can show we can learn from this game.”
