Vitor Pereira has been confirmed as the new Nottingham Forest manager, signing an 18-month contract.
Forest have moved quickly to find a replacement for Sean Dyche ahead of Thursday’s crucial Europa League play-off first leg against Fenerbahce.
Former Wolves coach Pereira was previously employed by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Olympiacos. He won the league and cup twice with the Greek team in 2015.
Pereira, who will become Forest’s fourth manager this season, replaces Dyche, who was sacked in the early hours of Thursday morning 114 days after the side’s 0-0 draw with Wolves.
The Portuguese manager remained at Wolves last season after being appointed in December 2024, but was sacked following a poor start to the campaign. As part of the protocol, contact was made with wolves.
News of Dyche’s sending off came about three hours after Forest were held to a goalless draw with Wolves, the Premier League’s bottom club. Dyche left Forest three points above the relegation zone with 12 games left in the season.
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WATCH FREE: Highlights of Nottingham Forest’s draw with bottom-placed Wolves in the Premier League before Sean Dyche was sacked
Pereira was previously employed by Evangelos Marinakis, forest owner in Olympiakos. He won the league and cup twice with the Greek team in 2015.
Marinakis is understood to be frustrated not only with the club’s inability to escape the relegation zone, but also with his inability to make the most of his attacking talent at the club.
Marinakis relies on someone he knows in Pereira.
Pereira was previously employed by forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in Olympiacos.
Anton Tolui of Sky Sports News:
Forest, who are just three points above the relegation zone, are now relying on someone they know.
Vitor Pereira manages Marinakis’ other club, Olympiakos, leading them to a league and cup double in 2015.
This time last year he was the toast of the league after keeping Wolves alive with just nine points from 16 games remaining.
Forest will be hoping for something similar.
They certainly weren’t put off by Pereira starting this season in the West Midlands, taking just two points from a possible 30 before he was sacked.
Forest will be the 14th club of his managerial career and he has only spent more than two years at one of them. You hired Ferreira for a good time, not a long time.
Merse: Pereira appointment suits Forest.
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Paul Merson says he ‘understands’ why Vitor Pereira was chosen as Sean Dyche’s replacement.
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson:
“That’s what the owner wants. He wants to get him to 12 games, 12 cup finals.
“The owner doesn’t mess around. I understand this better than Tottenham’s (the appointment of Igor Tudor). He has managed in the Premier League and been in relegation battles before.”
“I hope he has a thick enough skin. If you get fired, your confidence could be damaged.”
Nottingham Forest’s upcoming fixtures
- Fenerbahce (A) – Europa League knockout play-off first leg – Thursday 19 February; Kickoff at 5:45 PM
- Liverpool (H) – Premier League – Sunday, February 22, live broadcast sky sports; Kickoff at 2pm
- Fenerbahce (H) – Europa League knockout play-off second leg – Thursday 26 February; Kickoff at 8pm
- Brighton (A) – Premier League – Sunday, March 1, live broadcast sky sports; Kickoff at 2pm
- Manchester City (away) – Premier League – Wednesday 4 March; Kickoff 7:30 PM
- Fulham (H) – Premier League – Saturday 14 March; Kickoff at 3pm
