Vitor Pereira’s Return to Nottingham Forest: A Second Chance with Familiar Leadership
Nottingham Forest has appointed Vitor Pereira as its fourth manager of the 2025-26 season, hoping the Portuguese coach can steer the team away from Premier League relegation. The move reunites Pereira with owner Evangelos Marinakis, with whom he previously enjoyed success at Olympiacos.
A Familiar Partnership
Pereira’s appointment comes after the recent sacking of Sean Dyche, following in the footsteps of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, all dismissed in a bid to salvage Forest’s season. The key to Marinakis’ decision appears to be the existing rapport between the two men. Pereira previously guided Olympiacos to a league and cup double a decade ago, a period he recalls fondly.
“He’s ambitious. He wants to win, he’s emotional and I know him very well,” Pereira stated at his unveiling press conference on Tuesday. “The conversations were about our time in Olympiacos. I remember the energy and the fire we created.”
Pereira emphasized Marinakis’ desire for a passionate approach, noting, “Greece is a bit like Turkey. There is fire inside, they like to see the energy and he asked me to be myself.” He added that Marinakis valued their previous success, stating, “He liked the way that when we worked together, we got the league and the cup.”
Facing the Challenge at the City Ground
Nottingham Forest currently sit three points above the relegation zone, with 12 games remaining. Pereira acknowledges the pressure but embraces it, stating, “This is the pressure that means football is beautiful. We are better under pressure. I need the pressure to be in my best level.”
The new manager also addressed the recent instability within the squad, referencing the multiple managerial changes this season. “It’s much more than tactical things,” he said. He stressed the importance of players buying into his vision, stating, “If you buy the idea, it’s a good step. If you don’t buy the idea of the manager, it’s a big problem.”
Previous Successes and a Proven Track Record
Pereira brings experience in navigating relegation battles, having previously kept Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season. He believes his past success and understanding of the players will be crucial.
“I believe in the quality of the players, because I believe in the potential of this club, the ambition of the president,” Pereira explained. “Of course, I believe that it’s possible [to stay up]. I believe that we can get points, results and quality in the games.”
A Volatile Situation Demands Passion
The appointment of Pereira represents a gamble by Marinakis, bringing in a manager known for his passion and directness to a club in turmoil. Whether this combination can ignite a spark and secure Premier League survival remains to be seen, but Pereira is confident that the “fire and energy” he shares with Marinakis can be the catalyst for a turnaround.