Morgan Gibbs-White: Nottingham Forest captain pinpoints how team found ‘real identity’ under Vitor Pereira in UEFA Europa League win

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Nottingham Forest enjoyed a superb evening in Istanbul thanks to a stunning 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce. Aside from being Forest's biggest away win in European competition, it was also the hosts' joint-biggest home UEFA Europa League defeat. New head coach Vitor Pereira will be hoping to build on his winning start in charge when his side host Liverpool at the City Ground on Sunday lunchtime.

Gibbs-White hails impact of Pereira in 'incredible' Forest win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Morgan Gibbs-White believes Nottingham Forest showcased their real identity after beating Fenerbahce 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League to secure the club’s biggest-ever away win in a major European competition.

Gibbs-White rounded off the scoring in Istanbul after earlier strikes by Murillo and Igor Jesus, ensuring Vitor Pereira made the perfect start to his tenure as head coach.

He told TNT Sports: "I felt like we had real identity out there today, I think we defended incredibly. With the ball as well, we created so many chances. I think it could've been even more. But the job's not done yet, we've still got the other leg at home. We've got to prepare, rest well and go again on Sunday [against Liverpool].

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"I think his [Pereira’s] message to us is that we're going to have a real identity of how we play and how we defend as a team. I feel like him and his staff have brought real positive energy into the group and we've all bought into what he wants straight away.

"I think that's the most important thing, buying into each other and understanding each other. We've got a bit of that already and we showed that in abundance out there today. It's important to keep learning off each other and then take it game by game."

Forest have now notched 18 Europa League goals this season, only scoring more in a continental campaign when the club won the European Cup in the 1978/79 season (19).

'Huge! Absolutely huge!' - Jesus heads a crucial second for Forest just before half time

Video credit: TNT Sports

Gibbs-White was keen to highlight the all-round team effort at both ends of the pitch and the importance of taking a healthy 2-0 lead heading into half-time.

"We needed a clean sheet, 100%, and we needed a win. I feel like today was the perfect moment. With the run they're on, to come here is difficult, particularly with how their fans are, but I thought our fans were incredible. I hope they get back safely. I think it was an all-round incredible day."

Speaking about his assist for Jesus just before half-time, he added: "I saw the ball come in and wanted to try and do anything to keep it alive and, thankfully, Igor was there for a tap-in at the near post.

"It was nice to go 2-0 up in the first half and we knew they were going to come out in the second half fighting.

"Then it was all about settling the game down, trying to maintain possession, then take the chances when we got them.

"Fortunately, we did enough and then I thought the players that came on helped us to see the game out."

Highlights: Forest dominate Fenerbahce to give Pereira dream start

Video credit: TNT Sports

Focus quickly turns to Forest’s quest for Premier League survival when they host Liverpool at the City Ground on Sunday and the skipper feels this win serves as a perfect morale-booster heading into the weekend.

"You want to enjoy every moment as a footballer. It's difficult as footballers to enjoy moments because of how quickly the next games come up or the next training session.

"So I feel like it's quite tough to really enjoy it. We can take it tonight, but the work starts when we return to England and prepare for Liverpool.

"We've been through a difficult time, and I feel like confidence is the main thing. Tonight will definitely boost our confidence going into the upcoming games. We've got to stick together, be the most complete team and kick on from here."

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