Nottingham Forest face Liverpool in the Premier League today in Vitor Pereira's first home game as Reds head coach
05:00, 22 Feb 2026
Vitor Pereira, manager of Nottingham Forest, enjoys his first day at The Nigel Doughty Academy
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Vitor Pereira, manager of Nottingham Forest, enjoys his first day at The Nigel Doughty Academy(Image: Nottingham Forest FC via Getty I)
Vitor Pereira is confident there is plenty more to come from Nottingham Forest as he prepares to make his City Ground bow.
The newly-appointed head coach made a winning start to his tenure as the Reds claimed an impressive 3-0 Europa League victory away to Fenerbahce in midweek. It puts them firmly in the driving seat to make the last 16 of the competition ahead of next week’s play-off second leg against the Turkish side.
Forest are eager to do well in Europe, having returned to playing on the continent for the first time in three decades. But securing Premier League survival is the top priority for Pereira.
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He has 12 games remaining to get the club over the line, starting against Liverpool this afternoon (2pm kick-off). For the new man in the dugout, the aim is to build on Thursday night’s superb display.
"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.
“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.”
Following his appointment as Sean Dyche’s replacement a week ago, Pereira had only a few training sessions with his players before their trip to Istanbul. He made sure to quickly get across his key messages, though, and is once again keen for Forest to take to the pitch with positivity.
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"It is not about speech or what they (the players) say, it is about the smile,” said the former Wolverhampton Wanderers 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 organisation. I want them to believe in themselves and play with confidence.”
Liverpool have found it tough to follow-up last term’s title success this time around. But that does not mean the Reds will be taking their visitors lightly this afternoon.
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"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.”
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