Vítor Pereira, the newly appointed manager of Nottingham Forest, has declared that the profound trust he shares with the club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is the critical factor that will enable him to navigate the notoriously challenging role at the City Ground. This appointment marks Forest's fourth managerial change this season, following the recent departures of Sean Dyche, Nuno Espírito Santo, and Ange Postecoglou, as Marinakis takes decisive action to stave off Premier League relegation.
A Foundation of Past Success
Pereira and Marinakis have a history of collaboration, having worked together over a decade ago at the Greek club Olympiakos, where they secured a memorable league and cup double. The Portuguese coach believes this shared experience and the strong relationship forged during that period provide a solid foundation for their renewed partnership at Nottingham Forest.
"He Trusts My Work, I Trust His Personality"
In his introductory remarks, Pereira elaborated on the dynamic with Marinakis, describing the owner as ambitious, emotional, and driven by a desire to win. "The conversations were about our time in Olympiakos. I remember the energy and the fire we created," Pereira stated. He drew a parallel to the passionate football cultures of Greece and Turkey, noting, "Greece is a bit like Turkey. There is fire inside, they like to see the energy and he asked me to be myself."
Pereira emphasized the mutual trust at the core of their relationship: "He trusts my work, I trust his personality because in football we need passion too. I have fire and I have passion. Football is my passion, something that sleeps and wakes with me." This bond, he argues, is essential for overcoming the pressures of the relegation battle.
Embracing Pressure and Instilling Belief
The manager, who previously left Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this season after the club failed to win any of their first ten Premier League games, expressed a positive outlook on the challenges ahead. He highlighted his successful stint at Wolves, where he took over from Gary O'Neil in December 2024 and guided the team to mid-table safety, as evidence of his capability.
"Of course, I believe that it's possible. I believe that we can get points, results and quality," Pereira asserted, referencing Forest's survival prospects. He views pressure not as a burden but as a catalyst for performance, 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. Pressure is important in football."
The Importance of Player Buy-In
Pereira also addressed the crucial need for the squad to fully embrace his philosophy and leadership. His appointment comes in the wake of Dyche's dismissal, which occurred shortly after a goalless draw with Wolves and involved several senior players being summoned to Marinakis's office for discussions.
"If you don't buy the idea of the manager, it's a big problem," Pereira warned. "You must also buy the personality ... If you buy the idea and the person, have an open mind to receive information and to work hard together, it's possible to achieve what we want." He committed to giving his "body and soul" to the club, underscoring his dedication to the collective effort required for success.
As Nottingham Forest braces for a tense conclusion to the Premier League season, Pereira's confidence, rooted in a trusted partnership with the owner, aims to inspire a turnaround and secure the club's top-flight status.
