Vitor Pereira has embraced the intense pressure that comes with becoming Nottingham Forest's fourth head coach of the season, declaring he is not afraid of the sack. The Portuguese manager, 57, was officially unveiled on Tuesday after club owner Evangelos Marinakis sacked Sean Dyche last week in a desperate bid to avoid Premier League relegation.
A Familiar Relationship with the Owner
Pereira is no stranger to working under Marinakis, having previously guided Olympiacos to a league and cup double over a decade ago. This prior experience gives him insight into the combustible Greek businessman's demanding nature. "The owner is not afraid to make decisions, even if it means making a change," Pereira stated at his inaugural press conference. "This is his personality, and he wants results."
No Security in Football Management
When questioned about job security, Pereira was unequivocal. "If you're looking for security, you cannot be a manager! I used to be a schoolteacher. The salary is bad, but it was secure," he remarked. "In football, security is what you believe. I came here because I really believe I can do good things." He firmly insisted he sought no extra assurances, adding, "No, I'm not worried."
Trust and Passion Drive the Partnership
Pereira believes the established trust between him and Marinakis will smooth their working relationship. "He's ambitious, he wants to win, he's emotional and I know him very well," Pereira explained. He recalled their successful time at Olympiacos, noting, "Greece is a bit like Turkey. There is fire inside, they like to see the energy and he asked me to be myself."
The manager emphasised that Marinakis appreciated their past collaboration, which yielded significant trophies. "He trusts my work, I trust his personality because in football we need passion too," Pereira said. "I have fire and I have passion. Football is my passion, something that sleeps and wakes with me."
Embracing Pressure as a Motivator
Pereira views pressure not as a burden but as a crucial element of the game. "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," he declared. "This is the pressure that means football is beautiful. We are better under pressure. I need the pressure to be at my best level. Pressure is important in football."
Immediate Challenges and Squad Unity
Pereira's first match in charge will be Thursday's Europa League play-off first-leg clash at Fenerbahce, presenting an immediate test. He takes over a squad that had lost faith in Dyche, who was dismissed hours after last Wednesday's goalless draw with Wolves, following a debrief with senior players in Marinakis' office.
The new boss has urged his players to buy into his philosophy for success. "If you buy the idea, it's a good step," Pereira asserted. "If you don't buy the idea of the manager, it's a big problem. 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."
Pereira's appointment marks the latest managerial change in a turbulent season for Forest, following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou earlier in the campaign. With relegation fears looming, the club hopes Pereira's experience and unwavering confidence can stabilise their Premier League status.
