After a difficult first year, James McAtee admitted he had no idea what his future would look like at Nottingham Forest when he returned for pre-season.
Oliver Glasner’s arrival has changed that quickly.
McAtee has started both of Forest’s Premier League games so far and was involved again in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
“I came in for pre-season and didn’t really know where I was going to be. I didn’t know where my head was going to be,” he admitted.
That uncertainty appears to have disappeared.
“He (Glasner) came in and backed me straight away. It’s been enjoyable since.”
James McAtee enjoying deeper role at Nottingham Forest
Oliver Glasner has also changed where James McAtee operates on the pitch.
“Obviously I’m a little bit deeper now. I’m usually playing a little bit higher up the pitch.”
The new position means McAtee is getting more touches and staying involved for longer spells.
“It means I can get on the ball a bit more and still be involved in the game. I’m enjoying it at the moment, to be honest.”
That seems to be working for Nottingham Forest too. James McAtee started as the team picked up its first Premier League point of the season at Anfield, with Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White getting the goals.
That is a big change from where McAtee thought he was only a few weeks ago. Now, he looks settled in Glasner’s plans and has started the season with a new role to get used to.
