Vitor Pereira backs trust with Marinakis to guide Nottingham Forest through relegation battle

New Forest head coach says strong relationship with Evangelos Marinakis gives him confidence
Portuguese manager becomes the club’s fourth boss of the season
Pereira believes pressure can bring the best out of players and staff

New Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira believes the trust he shares with owner Evangelos Marinakis gives him the foundation to navigate the intense pressure of the City Ground role as the club fight to avoid Premier League relegation.

The Portuguese coach has become Forest’s fourth manager of the season after Sean Dyche followed Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou out of the door last week. Marinakis acted decisively after a goalless draw with Wolves, calling senior players into his office for a post-match debrief before making the change.

Pereira previously worked with Marinakis during a successful spell at Olympiacos more than a decade ago, when the pair delivered a league and cup double. He believes that experience gives him a strong platform to cope with the demands of his latest challenge.

“He’s ambitious. He wants to win. He’s emotional and I know him very well,” Pereira said at his unveiling press conference. “The conversations were about our time in Olympiacos. I remember the energy and the fire we created.

“He liked the way that when we worked together, we got the league and the cup. It was in the middle of the season and we created a good relationship. He trusts my work and I trust his personality because in football we need passion too.

“I have fire and I have passion. Football is my passion. It sleeps and wakes with me. I came with the intention to give everything of myself, to give my body and soul to this club, to help the club, and together we can do it.”

Pereira stressed that pressure is an essential part of elite football and something he thrives on.

“This is the pressure that means football is beautiful,” he said. “We are better under pressure. I need the pressure to be at my best level. Pressure is important in football.”

The 56 year-old inherits a squad whose confidence has been dented by constant change and inconsistent results. He called on players to commit fully to his ideas and his leadership.

“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,” he said. “You must also buy the personality. If you buy the idea and the person, have an open mind to receive information and work hard together, it’s possible to achieve what we want.”

Pereira successfully guided Wolves to Premier League safety after taking over in December 2024, and he believes Forest can follow a similar path.

“This is a difficult season for the players because it’s different methodologies and different managers,” he said. “It’s not easy, but I believe in the quality of the players, I believe in the potential of this club and the ambition of the president.

“Of course I believe it’s possible to stay up. I believe we can get points, results and quality in the games.”

Forest sit just above the relegation zone with crucial fixtures ahead, and Pereira’s immediate task is to restore belief and stability as the club look to secure their Premier League status.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.