Vitor Pereira Takes Helm at Nottingham Forest Amid High Expectations

omidbasir- Nottingham Forest’s new manager, Vitor Pereira, is optimistic that his rapport with owner Evangelos Marinakis will help him navigate the challenges of the City Ground role.

Pereira, a seasoned professional from Portugal, steps in as the club’s fourth manager of the season, following the departures of Sean Dyche, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Ange Postecoglou. Marinakis is taking decisive action to avert relegation from the Premier League.

Having previously collaborated with the passionate Greek businessman while at Olympiacos, where they secured a league and cup double over a decade ago, Pereira believes this experience positions him well to manage the intense pressures of the job.

“He is ambitious and emotionally invested in winning, and I know him very well,” Pereira stated at his introductory press conference. “Our conversations revolved around our successful time at Olympiacos, where we cultivated a strong energy and spirit.

“Greece shares a passionate football culture similar to Turkey. He encouraged me to be authentic, appreciating our past successes together. I trust his character, and he trusts my work because passion is essential in football.

“My commitment is to contribute wholeheartedly to this club—body and soul—so we can succeed together. The pressure of football is what makes it exhilarating; I perform my best under pressure, which I find crucial in this sport.”

Pereira’s appointment follows Dyche’s dismissal after a goalless draw against Wolves, where a meeting with senior players revealed waning confidence within the squad. Pereira is keen to instill his vision and philosophy into the team.

“If the players embrace my vision, it’s a significant step forward. Conversely, a lack of belief in the manager’s ideas can be detrimental. They must also resonate with my personality. If they can adopt my approach and maintain an open mindset to learn and collaborate, achieving our goals becomes feasible.”

Previously, Pereira successfully maintained Wolves’ Premier League status after taking over in December 2024, and he aims to replicate that success at Forest. “I prefer to focus on the present and the future, but this season has been challenging for the players due to varying methodologies and managerial changes. However, I am confident in the players’ quality, the club’s potential, and the president’s ambition.”

“I firmly believe we can gather points, achieve results, and enhance our performance in upcoming matches.”