“We just need harmony” – New Forest manager backs players despite pressure

Nottingham Forest head coach Vítor Pereira will make his debut against a familiar opponent, as he prepares to face Fenerbahçe in Turkey.

The Portuguese manager only recently arrived at the City Ground. Last year, he was dismissed by Wolverhampton Wanderers, and now begins a fresh chapter with Forest. His first test comes at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, where he previously worked during two spells in charge of Fenerbahçe.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Pereira admitted the occasion carries weight but insisted he feels “very confident”.

“It will be a difficult match, in a complicated environment,” he said. “But I feel the squad has a lot of quality. There will be a lot of talent on the pitch.”

Courage and identity in limited time

Forest sit close to the relegation places in the Premier League. However, Pereira showed no signs of fear. Instead, he outlined a simple message to his players.

“For the players, this is the ideal atmosphere. They like to play with that kind of energy. For me, it is a pleasure to be here and face a passionate team, show our passion, our energy, our ambition. Playing with courage and organisation is the key”, he said.

Time has not been on his side. He has only had two days to work with a squad lacking confidence. Even so, Pereira believes something has already changed.

“Since the first day we started to transmit that energy. I believe a team absorbs a lot of the passion and personality of the coach. We must see this game as an opportunity to show our qualities, prove our value and, at the end, be proud of what we did”, he stated.

He also admitted tactical detail must be kept simple at this stage.

“In two days, you cannot arrive with too much information. You need to be intelligent to pass on a clear tactical message. You know I like to play tactically and that cannot change in two days”, he explained.

Starting on the front foot

This fixture could shape Forest’s immediate future. European progression would offer momentum. More importantly, it could spark belief in a dressing room under pressure domestically.

Pereira insists the foundations are there. “I recognise the quality of my players, of the squad. We just need harmony and a victory to start building more confidence.”

For a coach recently dismissed and now entrusted with another Premier League rescue mission, tonight represents more than a debut. It is the first chance to prove that Forest’s gamble can pay off quickly.