Ola Aina breaks silence on Nottingham Forest’s slow start under Glasner

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has opened up on Nottingham Forest’s difficult start to the new Premier League season under Oliver Glasner, Soccernet.ng reports.

Forest are still searching for their first league victory of the campaign after losing to Leeds United on the opening weekend before drawing against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Tricky Trees have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, with Leeds United ending their involvement in the competition after a 2-0 victory last month.

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The slow start has left Forest 16th in the Premier League table after three matches, raising familiar concerns about another difficult campaign at the City Ground.

However, Aina has made it clear that the players are not setting their sights on another survival battle, despite the early results.

Ola Aina reacts to Nottingham Forest’s slow start

Aina has started all three of Forest’s Premier League matches this season as he continues to establish himself under Glasner following his return from a serious hamstring injury.

The Nigerian defender admitted that Forest have fallen short in their opening fixtures but believes the team are still adapting to the demands of working under their new manager.

“It’s always good to start a new campaign, but obviously today we fell short. It was too difficult,” Aina said, via Ratings.

The arrival of Glasner has brought another tactical change for Forest, with the Austrian becoming the club’s fifth permanent head coach in just over 12 months.

Aina, who has experienced several managerial changes since joining Forest, acknowledged that the transition has not been straightforward.

“It’s been good. Everything is new, not perfect, but we’re still working on making these things better,” he said.

“Hopefully, in the games to come, it gets better.”

Glasner was appointed in July after leaving Crystal Palace, where he enjoyed a hugely successful spell that included the FA Cup, UEFA Conference League and Community Shield.

The Austrian inherited a Forest squad that had already worked under Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira during the previous campaign.

That instability contributed to Forest finishing 16th last season after they had surprisingly secured seventh place in 2024-25 and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

Super Eagles defender sets ambitious target for Forest

Despite Forest’s difficult opening weeks, the 29-year-old does not want the club’s season to be defined by another relegation fight.

The 48-cap Super Eagles star has instead set his sights on helping Forest establish themselves much higher up the Premier League table.

“Hopefully we don’t fight for survival,” the one-time English Premier League winner said.

“Hopefully we’re safe, and we’re doing well in the league.”

The 29-year-old also made it clear that his personal ambition goes beyond simply helping Forest retain their top-flight status.

“I just want to play good football, do good things, and hopefully we can have a good season,” he added.

Aina’s comments will provide encouragement to Forest supporters who have seen the club’s fortunes change dramatically over the last two seasons.

Aina enjoying life under Glasner despite Forest struggles

While Forest’s results have been underwhelming, Aina’s start to life under Glasner has been encouraging.

The defender has been ever-present in the Premier League this season, providing defensive cover while also contributing attacking runs from the right side.

His importance to the Forest supporters was evident when he received standing ovations after being substituted against both Leeds and Tottenham.

The Nigerian spent a significant portion of last season on the sidelines after suffering a serious hamstring injury in September 2025, limiting him to 18 Premier League appearances.

His return to regular action is an important development for both the player and Forest, particularly with Daniel Munoz competing for the right-wing back spot with him.

Aina also had a message of appreciation for the supporters who have continued to back him.

“The fans are always amazing,” he said.

“They help us a lot, and we try to repay them with our performances and everything. They’ve always supported me and I appreciate it.”

The next task for Aina and Forest is to turn that support into results. Forest’s next Premier League fixture is away to Aston Villa, where Glasner’s team will be seeking their first league win of the season.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa are yet to win in the English Premier League this season as well, losing to Brighton and Arsenal before collecting a point in the goalless draw against Hull City.