If Nottingham Forest’s actions match Vitor Pereira’s words, his first match in charge could turn out to be a memorable one.
“Energy” was one of the buzz phrases used by the Portuguese in his pre-match press conference ahead of the first leg of the Reds’ Europa League play-off with Fenerbahce (5.45pm kick-off this evening). Playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, sitting alongside the new man, adopted a similar theme.
“He has brought in that exciting feeling and a positive energy. It’s only been two days so we can’t expect to adapt instantly, but he has brought a clear idea of how he wants to play. All the players are buying into that,” Gibbs-White said.
The Forest ace also spoke of “attacking” the game. Pereira described how he wants his team to show their “passion” in Turkey.
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“For me, it is a pleasure to be here and to face a team with passion and to show our passion, to show our energy and ambition, to play with courage and organisation,” he outlined. “For me, organisation is not only about tactical things but about expressing yourself and the qualities we have. This is what I want to see.”
If the visitors live up to such billing, it could be in sharp contrast to previous outings. Energy and passion have been somewhat lacking from the Reds’ play of late.
Forest’s last continental away day was that dismal, drenched night in Braga. A trip of Biblical rain and jeers from the stands.
“Sideways and backwards everywhere we go” was one of the chants taken up by the away contingent in Portugal. Sean Dyche never really came back from that, even if he did last a further five games in the dugout before being given the boot last week.
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Pereira has made a very positive impression since his appointment on Sunday. It is clear he wants his team to play in that mould.
Music could be heard booming out from the away dressing room as the newly-appointed boss and Gibbs-White faced the media on Wednesday evening. The message from both came across loud and clear, though.
Pereira very much cares about his media work, according to a source. He cares about the words he uses and the points he makes. Press conferences and interviews are, after all, a means of communication with supporters - and the 57-year-old showed during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers how much he embraces a fanbase.
He is clearly still well regarded at Fenerbahce, too. A wall at the Turkish side’s stadium lists the name of every manager to have occupied their dugout. Pereira’s name features twice, for his two separate spells at the helm.
He faced a barrage of questions from the Turkish reporters present - and they had attended in significant numbers - at the Chobani Stadyumu. They covered everything from his memories of being at the club to what formation he planned to utilise this evening (unsurprisingly, he did not specify), from which Fenerbahce player he would love to have at Forest (no name given) to what his game plan would be (again, no secrets given away on that front). Once the dictaphones and cameras had been turned off, he was even asked what had happened to his hair.
Several members of the Turkish media asked for selfies with the Reds chief. He duly obliged.
And then it was out on to the pitch to oversee a training session. Forest had plenty of energy out there, too. Pereira stood in the centre, observing. No cries of “mount” as a prompt for players to jump on one of their teammates’ backs, as had been customary under Dyche, instead it was straight down to business.
“Two historic clubs,” Pereira said of the Reds and Fenerbahce meeting. “It is an honour and a privilege to work at these two clubs. It is a mix of emotions, but I am very happy to be here.”
What happens on the pitch will, as always, determine how this new Forest era is defined. A roll of the dice doesn’t always guarantee a new manager bounce, but with Pereira’s enthusiasm and drive it will not be for the want of trying.
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