Forest turn to Vitor Pereira in fight to avoid relegation

Nottingham Forest have turned to Vitor Pereira in a bid to steady their season, appointing the Portuguese coach as head coach on an 18-month deal on 15 February 2026.

The 57-year-old becomes Forest’s fourth permanent manager of the campaign, a first in the Premier League era, and replaces Sean Dyche with the club sitting three points above the relegation zone. His immediate task is clear: preserve top-flight status.

Pereira reunites with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, having previously delivered a domestic double with Olympiacos in 2015. That prior working relationship is believed to have played a role in the decision, as Forest seek stability during a turbulent season.

Forest’s decision reflects urgency as much as ambition. Pereira’s managerial career has spanned eight countries and 15 clubs, underlining both his adaptability and the nomadic nature of his coaching journey.

Last season he guided Wolves to comfortable Premier League survival, earning praise for his organisation and structure. However, the current campaign unravelled quickly, with Wolves losing eight of their first 10 matches before Pereira was dismissed in November after collecting just two points.

That contrast frames the challenge ahead at the City Ground. Forest’s defensive record and inconsistency in midfield have left them vulnerable, and with Liverpool visiting on 22 February 2026, Pereira faces an immediate test against one of the league’s strongest sides.

Having followed Forest’s recent run of form, it is evident that clarity of identity has been lacking. Pereira’s appointment suggests the club are prioritising tactical organisation and defensive discipline. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about how quickly he can reshape performances.

Before league survival takes centre stage again, Pereira’s first match in charge will be away to Fenerbahce on 19 February 2026 in the Europa League knockout round play-off. The tie carries added intrigue given Fenerbahce are also a former club of his.

Should Forest progress over two legs, they will reach the last 16, offering both financial reward and momentum. Yet balancing European ambition with domestic survival will demand careful squad management.

Pereira arrives with a full coaching team, including Filipe Jorge Monteiro Almeida and Luis Miguel Moreira Da Silva as assistant coaches, alongside Bruno Filipe Araujo De Moura as head of physical performance and opposition analysis and Pedro Simao Capela Silva Lopes as opposition analyst.

Forest’s schedule leaves little time for transition. The Europa League tie with Fenerbahce comes first, followed quickly by a high-pressure Premier League clash with Liverpool. Results in these fixtures could shape early perceptions of Pereira’s tenure.

Much will depend on how quickly he can establish defensive structure and restore confidence. With only a narrow cushion above the bottom three, short-term improvements are essential.

Can Pereira provide the stability Forest have lacked, or will managerial upheaval continue to define their season?