Nottingham Forest's fourth manager of the season, Vítor Pereira, has transformed the club's fortunes, guiding them to within touching distance of Premier League survival and a potential Champions League spot. Despite a chaotic start to the campaign, the Portuguese coach has instilled harmony and belief in a squad that now boasts seven league games without defeat.
Pereira's man-management skills have been key, with the coach making daily efforts to speak to each player individually. This approach was evident in Monday's victory at Chelsea, where eight changes to the lineup saw Taiwo Awoniyi score a double and Luca Netz impress on his full debut. The win was Forest's third consecutive away victory and lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining.
Under Pereira, Forest have become the Premier League's highest scorers since his arrival, netting 19 goals in nine matches, while also boasting the third-best defence in that period. His tactical acumen has been praised, with in-game switches against Burnley turning a 1-0 half-time deficit into a 4-1 win. The partnership of Chris Wood and Igor Jesus has flourished, and Morgan Gibbs-White has thrived under the new freedom given to him.
Pereira's success is built on a collective mentality, with heavy reliance on his staff for training ground work. Awoniyi highlighted the role of the entire team, including nutritionists and physios, in creating an environment where everyone feels valued. With a one-goal lead going into the Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa, Forest's dream of European football remains alive.
