Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner has delivered high praise for owner Evangelos Marinakis, pointing to the club’s ambitious infrastructure plans as definitive proof that the leadership’s commitment matches their lofty words.
The endorsement comes hot on the heels of a monumental milestone for the club. Following a meeting between Glasner and Marinakis in London earlier this week, Rushcliffe Borough Council officially granted planning approval for Nottingham Forest’s stadium redevelopment project, subject to certain conditions being met. The massive expansion project will take place in two distinct phases: phase one will boost the City Ground’s capacity from 31,000 to 45,000 seats, while phase two will ultimately push the stadium’s total capacity up to 52,000.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Speaking about the exciting stadium news, Glasner emphasized the importance of tangible investments in modern football, noting that true ambition requires more than just talk.
“It’s great news, now we got the approval,” Glasner said. “It’s great news for the club, great news for the city, and great news for our supporters. I think everybody is now looking forward to when the works will start.
“I think it’s very important that you’re not always talking about ambition, that you also have to show it. You can show it in many different parts, and one is to extend or rebuild your stadium or training ground. And this is what I can see here.”
Glasner also highlighted subtle yet impactful behind-the-scenes upgrades implemented by Marinakis, such as expanding and modernizing the team canteen during pre-season in Portugal to create a bright, uplifting workspace. For the manager, providing top-tier environments for both staff and players is vital for long-term progress.
Furthermore, Glasner stressed that expanding the stadium is a direct appreciation of the loyal fanbase, ensuring supporters receive enhanced comfort, better seating, and improved matchday infrastructure in return for their unwavering financial and emotional backing.
Broad Conversations and Shared Emotions
Beyond stadium logistics, the London meeting offered Glasner and Marinakis an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, stretching far beyond the confines of the football pitch. Drawing on his background studying economics for seven years, Glasner revealed that he enjoys discussing global markets, shipping challenges, and broader worldly perspectives with the owner to avoid the classic managerial trap of tunnel vision.
The pair also debriefed following Forest’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. Glasner admitted that reviewing the match footage on the train ride to London gave him a more objective lens compared to the raw emotions felt on the touchline.
“When you are emotional watching a game and you lose a few balls, you give away a chance—you get emotional and do not judge the game fairly,” Glasner explained, noting that Marinakis shared a similar sentiment regarding emotional post-match reactions.
With planning permission secured and leadership fully aligned, Nottingham Forest is entering an exciting new chapter. As infrastructural investments lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, Glasner and his squad are ready to match that ambition where it matters most: on the pitch.
