Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner said he was proud after his side produced a spirited display at Anfield to earn a 2-2 draw, and also confirmed that the club is pushing to strengthen the squad before the transfer window shuts. Although Forest went in front twice, they ultimately had to be content with a point, but Glasner remains upbeat about both the team’s development and the club’s transfer business.

Positive signs at Anfield

Glasner was quick to applaud his team’s commitment after they matched one of the division’s strongest sides. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, the Forest boss admitted he was left with mixed emotions, combining pride with a touch of disappointment. “I think we all have the same feeling, proud of the performance, proud of how many chances we created and proud of the reaction after we conceded the equaliser. On the other side, we’re all a little bit disappointed we couldn’t get the win. I think this shows how good we performed, how well we played. Overall, a very good performance,” Glasner said.

The visitors struck first through Dan Ndoye, but Alexander Isak got Liverpool’s first equaliser early in the second half. Nottingham Forest then looked on course for a memorable win when Morgan Gibbs-White put them back ahead from the penalty spot late in the game, only for a superb effort from Victor Munoz to rescue a point for the home side in the 2-2 draw.

Tactical growth and defensive lapses

The result gives Nottingham Forest a timely lift after an underwhelming start to the campaign. They had opened their Premier League season with a 1-0 home defeat to Leeds United and were then eliminated in the second round of the Carabao Cup after another home loss, this time 2-0, against the same opponents. Even so, Glasner made it clear that his side is still evolving, especially in terms of fitness levels and defensive focus. “I could see our tactical shape work well in many parts but after 60-65 minutes, the level drops a little bit. Which shows everything is not 100% settled, it can’t be after six or seven weeks together. Also, we conceded the same goal more or less, in the same area.”

“We opened the middle and we know Liverpool always tries to pass into these gaps. Many of these situations, we avoided but in these two situations, it was the wrong behaviour and then you get punished when you play here at Anfield,” Glasner added.

Building confidence for the journey

The Forest manager was especially pleased with the attacking intent his players showed in such a demanding setting. He felt the openings they created, particularly before the break, should have given them a bigger advantage. “What I loved most was how we played forward and created the chances, especially in the first half. I think we should have led by more than one goal,” Glasner said.

“But again, it’s still the beginning of the season. The beginning of the journey and this performance will give us confidence. I always hope the next time it will go quicker but, again, we could see many positive aspects. Many things that should and will give us confidence but it’s important to stay humble and keep working hard,” he continued, as Forest now prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at The City Ground in their next match on September 5.

Transfer activity before the deadline

With the transfer window entering its final phase, Glasner confirmed that Nottingham Forest’s hierarchy is working hard behind the scenes to bring in reinforcements. Asked about possible arrivals, he sounded confident that more deals would be completed. “I am [hopeful of new signings]. The club are working hard before closed doors, I’m confident we will have two signings. We have Liam [Delap] in and hopefully one more, potentially two.”

He also praised the recruitment staff for their work during another summer of major turnover at the club, with Xaver Schlager arriving from RB Leipzig, Ousmane Diomande joining from Sporting CP, Steven Benda coming in from Fulham, and Liam Delap signing from Chelsea. “The club is doing a great job, working hard. We have another new start, integrating new players,” Glasner concluded.