Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White has declared that his side played with a "real identity" during new manager Vitor Pereira's impressive debut, which culminated in a commanding 3-0 Europa League victory away at Fenerbahce. The triumph in Istanbul provides Forest with a decisive advantage in the play-off round first leg, marking a promising start to Pereira's tenure as the club's fourth manager of a turbulent season.
A Memorable Night in Istanbul
Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Gibbs-White himself ensured a memorable evening for Forest, as the post-Sean Dyche era began in free-scoring fashion. The comprehensive win not only boosts morale but also positions Forest favorably for progression to the last-16, where they would face either Real Betis or Midtjylland, barring a catastrophic collapse in next week's second leg at the City Ground.
Gibbs-White's Veiled Critique and Praise
In comments that may be interpreted as a subtle dig at former boss Dyche, Gibbs-White emphasized the newfound clarity under Pereira. Speaking to TNT Sports, he stated, "I felt like we had a real identity out there today. I think his message to us is that we're going to have a real identity of how we play and how we defend as a team."
The captain further elaborated on the positive atmosphere Pereira has instilled, noting, "I feel like him and his staff have brought a real positive energy into the group, and we've all bought into what he wants straight away. That's the most important thing—buying into each other and understanding each other. We showed abundance today, and it's about keeping learning and taking it game by game."
Pereira's Confidence and Objectives
Pereira, tasked with securing Forest's Premier League survival, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance. He highlighted the players' quality and the importance of enjoyment on the pitch, saying, "I asked them to express themselves, and they did it. They need results, but they also need to enjoy the game. If they enjoy the way they are playing, they can reach a high level with just organisation and confidence."
Despite the emphatic win, Pereira remained grounded, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "Of course I am confident, but we will try match by match to win the next one. It is not easy to come here and score three goals without conceding. The next game will be different, and we need to be consistent," he cautioned.
Looking Ahead to Premier League Challenges
The victory serves as a significant confidence booster ahead of Sunday's crucial home fixture against Liverpool. Gibbs-White reflected on the timing, stating, "We have been going through a difficult time; confidence is the main thing, and tonight will boost that. We just have to stay together and be the most complete team. We can enjoy this moment and then prepare for Liverpool at the weekend."
As Forest navigate a chaotic season, this emphatic debut under Pereira not only revitalizes their European ambitions but also injects much-needed optimism into their Premier League survival bid. The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and building on the "real identity" that has so impressed their captain.
