Oliver Glasner Explains Why He Benched one of his active midfielder Against Leeds: “I Want a Midfielder Who Is Hungry for the Ball”

• “I WANT A PLAYER WHO BITES LIKE A MAD DOG” — Oliver Glasner Explains Shock Decision to Bench One of Nottingham Forest’s Best Midfielders Against Leeds

Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner has offered a brutally honest explanation for leaving one of his most talented midfielders on the bench for the entire game against Leeds United, insisting that he wants a midfielder who is “hungry for the ball” and ready to fight for every possession.

Forest suffered a frustrating defeat against Leeds, but one of the biggest talking points after the final whistle was not only the result. It was Glasner’s decision to keep Nicolás Domínguez on the bench for the entire match.

Domínguez was named among the substitutes but never made it onto the pitch, despite being regarded as one of Forest’s strongest midfield options and having featured regularly during the club’s preparations for the new campaign.

The decision immediately raised eyebrows among supporters, with many wondering why Glasner opted not to call upon a player with Domínguez’s experience and technical quality as Forest attempted to change the course of the game.

However, Glasner’s explanation was as direct as it was revealing.

The Forest manager made it clear that he is looking for something specific from his midfielders — aggression, hunger and an almost relentless desire to win the ball.

«“It might sound harsh, but I want a player who bites like a mad dog. I want a midfielder who is hungry for the ball.”»

For Glasner, the issue is not simply about technical ability.

The Austrian manager appears to want his midfielders to set the tone physically and mentally, particularly in matches where Forest need to compete for second balls, disrupt the opposition and regain possession quickly.

Glasner: “I want hunger”

The Forest boss’ comments suggest that his decision was tactical rather than disciplinary.

Domínguez may possess the passing ability, intelligence and technical qualities required at Premier League level, but Glasner appears to be demanding another dimension from his midfield.

The manager wants players who are willing to chase, press, tackle and fight for every loose ball.

And that philosophy was evident in his decision-making against Leeds.

Rather than turning to Domínguez, Glasner introduced Xaver Schlager during the second half, looking for greater energy and intensity in the middle of the pitch.

That decision has inevitably placed the spotlight on Domínguez.

The Argentine midfielder was fit enough to be included in the matchday squad, but despite Forest needing to change the momentum of the game, Glasner still decided against using him.

For some supporters, that may be difficult to understand.

But Glasner’s message appears to be simple: reputation alone will not guarantee a place in his starting XI or even minutes from the bench.

“I want players who fight for the shirt”

Forest’s defeat against Leeds highlighted just how competitive the midfield battle can be.

Leeds were aggressive in their approach and worked tirelessly to prevent Forest from establishing complete control.

For Glasner, that is precisely the type of battle where he wants his midfielders to show character.

The manager is seemingly asking his players to adopt a mentality where every loose ball becomes a personal challenge.

He wants them to hunt the ball rather than wait for it.

That explains his rather unusual “mad dog” comparison.

It is not necessarily an attack on Domínguez’s ability. Instead, it appears to be a demand for a different level of intensity.

Glasner wants his midfielders to behave like players who cannot wait to get the ball back.

And that could have significant implications for Forest’s midfield selection in the coming weeks.

Domínguez now has a point to prove

For Domínguez, being left on the bench for 90 minutes could be frustrating.

The midfielder has established himself as an important player at Forest, and being described indirectly as lacking the exact qualities Glasner currently wants could provide additional motivation.

The situation also creates an interesting battle for places.

With Forest possessing several midfield options, Glasner has made it clear that he will not simply select players based on reputation.

Players will have to earn their opportunities.

Domínguez now has the perfect opportunity to respond on the pitch.

If Glasner wants a midfielder who is “hungry for the ball,” the Argentine can demonstrate exactly that in training and in the next opportunity he receives.

Forest’s midfield competition is heating up

The arrival of different midfield profiles has given Glasner several options.

Sangaré can provide physical presence and protection, while Schlager offers energy and intensity.

Domínguez, meanwhile, brings his own combination of technical quality, passing ability and experience.

The challenge for Glasner is finding the right combination.

But his comments after the Leeds match suggest that work rate and hunger could become just as important as technical quality.

That could be a significant shift in expectations for Forest’s midfielders.

The message from the manager is unmistakable.

Being one of the team’s best footballers is not enough.

Glasner wants players willing to fight for possession, press relentlessly and put their bodies on the line.

A warning to the entire squad?

Perhaps the biggest message from Glasner’s decision is that it may not have been aimed solely at Domínguez.

His comments could be interpreted as a warning to the entire Forest squad.

Every player must demonstrate the mentality the manager wants.

Every midfielder must be prepared to compete.

Every substitute must be ready to change the game.

And every starter must understand that their position is not guaranteed.

“I want a player who bites like a mad dog” may have sounded harsh, but Glasner’s underlying message is clear: he wants hunger.

For Domínguez, there is only one way to answer.

Get back on the pitch, win the ball, fight for every challenge and show Glasner that he can be that player.

Because under Glasner, talent may get you into the squad — but hunger could be what keeps you on the pitch.