Vitor Pereira won his first game as Nottingham Forest head coach and now they turn their attention to Liverpool.
Morgan Gibbs-White reckons that Nottingham Forest have quickly established an ‘identity’ under their new head coach ahead of their clash against Liverpool.
Vitor Pereira was appointed Forest’s fourth boss of the season earlier this week. And the Portuguese made a highly successful start in the City Ground hot seat as Forest cruised to a 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League knockout play-off first leg in Istanbul.
Murillo and Igor Jesus put the visitors in firm control before the break before Gibbs-White’s second-half strike against the Turkish giants put Forest 90 minutes away from securing a place in the last 16 of Europe’s second-tier competition.
The City Ground outfit now turn their attention back to their Premier League relegation battle. Forest sit 17th in the table, three points above the drop zone, and host Liverpool on Sunday. And Gibbs-White reckons that the triumph will give his team a confidence boost ahead of facing the Premier League champions.
The attacking midfielder told TNT Sports: "I felt we had a real identity out there. We defended well and we created so many chances. His message to us is that we will have a real identity how we play and defend as a team. We have all bought into what he wants straight away.
"It is about learning off each other and taking it game by game. We needed a clean sheet and we needed a win and today felt like the perfect moment.
"We have been going through a difficult time, confidence is the main thing and tonight will boost confidence. We just have to stay together and be the most complete team."
Liverpool will be aiming to keep apace in the battle for Champions League qualification against Forest. A win will see them move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, who travel to Everton on Monday.
But Slot will be aware how difficult a test Forest will be - especially having not beaten them in three attempts.
After the Fenerbahce win, Pereira said: : "We had chance to score two more goals. It was a very good result. It is only half-time, we need to be consistent, the schedule is tight and difficult.
"Everyone must be ready to help the team. This is what I ask them. I realised before I came that the players have a lot of quality. They need results but they need to enjoy the game.
"If they enjoy the way they are playing they can have a high level. They need organisation and confidence. I asked them to express themselves on the pitch. They did it."
Continue Reading