Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira is confident his players can secure Premier League survival as they prepare to face Liverpool at the City Ground on Sunday
Sarah Clapson
09:10, 22 Feb 2026
Vitor Pereira is looking for three points against Liverpool
Vitor Pereira is looking for three points against Liverpool(Image: Ritchie Sumpter, Nottingham Forest FC via Getty Images)
Vitor Pereira is convinced there is considerably more to come from Nottingham Forest - warning Liverpool ahead of Sunday's big game.
The newly-appointed Forest head coach enjoyed a winning start to his reign as his team secured an impressive 3-0 Europa League triumph away to Fenerbahce in midweek. It leaves Forest firmly in control ahead of next week's playoff second leg against the Turkish outfit, as the Nottingham club bids to reach the last 16 of the competition.
Forest is keen to perform well in Europe, having returned to continental competition for the first time in three decades. However, ensuring Premier League survival remains the top priority for Pereira.
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He has 12 matches remaining to secure the club's safety, beginning against Liverpool at the City Ground on Sunday. For the new man in the dugout, the objective is to build upon Thursday's excellent performance.
"I think we can play better," Pereira said. "We can play consistently and we can get results in the Premier League. Of course we can do. Why not? We can improve.
"We have the talent. They can express themselves and enjoy playing together. It is back to the Premier League and we need to go with the same spirit.
Arne Slot is after a win at the City Ground
Arne Slot is after a win at the City Ground(Image: Getty Images)
"I'm excited because I know that playing at home, playing good football we will have our supporters with us to give us energy. We need to give them good energy, too, because it is about the connection between them, the team, the club and the city. This is important for us."
Having been appointed as Sean Dyche's successor just a week ago, Pereira had only a handful of training sessions with his players before their trip to Istanbul. He wasted no time in conveying his key messages, however, and is once again eager for Forest to take to the field with a positive mindset.
"It is not about speech or what they (the players) say, it is about the smile," said the former Wolves boss. "I don't need to talk with them, I just look at the smile. A smile brings good energy and when you have good energy in your work, things will be easier.
"Results will give them confidence and at this moment, it is about confidence. The first thing I asked the players was for honest communication between me and them, and between themselves. It is important.
"They have to buy the idea and the style of play. It is playing with the ball and good organization. I want them to believe in themselves and play with confidence."
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Liverpool has struggled to replicate last season's title-winning form this time round. Yet that is no reason to suggest Forest will be underestimating its visitors on Sunday.
"They are stronger than earlier in the season," Pereira said of Arne Slot's team. "They are recovering their qualities and are strong.
"We have to be ready to be organised and be ready to face a very good team, but with our tools and our identity. This is the challenge I made for my team."