Glasner stood in the centre circle, applauding the emptying City Ground after his first Premier League game as Nottingham Forest manager ended in a frustrating late defeat. Forest remain a work in progress, desperately seeking stability following four managerial changes last season.

"There is no button to press," the 51-year-old stressed. "There are still a lot of things to do." He emphasized that immediate transformation is unrealistic. The optimism surrounding his appointment remains intact despite the result. Although Forest created the better openings and their wing-back structure was evident, a lack of new signings left the starting lineup looking stale.

Despite extensive summer recruitment, eight of the starters featured in last season’s opener. Late substitutions offered little excitement, and recent major departures including the £116m sale have weakened the squad. "It's now getting confidence in what we are doing," Glasner said, noting physical concerns and injury returns. "I could see many positives and encouraging parts but it is a process."