Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira wants to create 'miracles' with Nottingham Forest as Elliot Anderson eyes UEFA Europa League glory

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Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira has only been at the City Ground for less than a fortnight, but the Portuguese has already left a strong impression. Forest are in a good position to reach the Europa League last 16, and Pereira told TNT Sports: "It is important that your ambition will be aligned with the ambition of the club, with the group. I believe that with a smile we do miracles."

Highlights: Forest dominate Fenerbahce to give Pereira dream start

Video credit: TNT Sports

Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira believes he is capable of masterminding a "miracle" by guiding his new club to UEFA Europa League glory.

Just 10 days into his tenure, Pereira is already smiling - and speaking the language of a man fully in control of his own destiny.

The 57-year-old did not walk into the job at the City Ground unaware. Back in August, he was embarking on his first full season at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where 'points equalled pints'.

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That charming levity he brought to Molineux soon dissipated when Pereira found himself most weekends having early nights.

Failure to win any of their opening 10 Premier League games this season spelled the end. But it is a sign of Pereira's character that he has embraced another firefighting mission so soon.

This time, the challenge is not only to lead a club fighting for its Premier League status, but also to navigate a European campaign.

Holding a 3-0 lead heading into the second leg of their knockout round play-off against Fenerbahce, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Pereira saw something others might have missed.

"I accepted the job because I believe that this club has big potential," the Forest boss told TNT Sports. "When I look at the supporters, I can see the passion. When I look at the players, I can see talent.

"They just need to feel confident, to believe in themselves, to believe in the work that we are doing together. And this is the future. I’m very positive about the future."

Belief drives Pereira’s approach. With little time for overhaul, he focuses on clarity and connection.

"When you come in the middle of the season, you cannot change a lot," he explains. "Communication is important. Clear communication, simple, tactical organisation.

"But a tactical organisation where they can feel that they can express themselves, to give freedom to them, to be themselves, to play with the skills that they have."

Pereira demands ambition, underpinned by his two domestic titles with Porto as well as success in Greece and China, but only one that is shared.

'This club has big potential' - Pereira says talented Forest squad only need confidence

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Of course, you have individual things to achieve," he said. "You have your ambition, individual ambition.

"But it’s important that your ambition is aligned with the ambition of the club, with the group. And with creating the good energy. The good energy, a smile. I believe that with a smile, we can open, we can do miracles."

This positivity has substance, not just wishful optimism.

Pereira references last weekend's narrow defeat to Liverpool as proof of progress, even without the reward of points.

Pereira asked Forest 'to express themselves' as players offer new boss perfect start

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"Especially when we lose a game, to come back into the club with the spirit that we're proud of ourselves. What we did up against Liverpool... at the end of the game, I think we have reasons to feel proud of ourselves."

When pushed on his coaching methods, his answer was unequivocal. A self-confidence that is less about ego and more about atmosphere.

"To connect the people, to make them believe in our project, in ourselves," he said when outlining his tried-and-tested managerial process. "I’m very self-confident. I have worked hard to get what I have in my life.

"Creating the atmosphere day-by-day in the club, to feel that we are working together to create something, to create identity, to create a style of play.

"If we play at home, if we play away, if we face Fenerbahce, if we face Liverpool… these are the tools that we create on our training day by day. These are the tools that we must go there on the pitch and prove ourselves."

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

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European momentum, he believes, can fuel domestic stability. Despite holding a strong position in the tie, Pereira dismisses any notion of complacency.

"I know very well the spirit of this team," he added, reflecting on his time at Fenerbahce. "They are fighters. They come to fight for the results. They come with the intention to win the game. They have this spirit.

"For us, it’s a chance to offer a game with quality and with the mentality that our supporters deserve, because they deserve a win, and they deserve a win with quality."

Anderson: Forest have good chance of winning EL

Midfielder Elliot Anderson also spoke with the calm assurance of a player who understands both the chaos and the opportunity that football can present.

At Forest, change has been the only constant this season. A fourth manager by February would have sounded far-fetched back in August, yet Anderson shrugs at the volatility.

"Probably not," he admits to TNT Sports when asked if he would have believed the managerial turnover under owner Evangelos Marinakis.

"But it’s football. Football can change very quickly. I think as players you’ve just got to deal with whatever situation you’re put in and make sure you do what you’re being asked by the manager."

Elliot Anderson is one yellow card away from another European suspension

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"Obviously, you can have all the managers telling you what to do and stuff, but as soon as you’re over on the grass, it’s about how you perform and how you do yourself.

"It’s down to us as players to a certain extent to perform."

That self-reliance was evident in the first leg against Fenerbahce, a hostile environment in Istanbul navigated with ruthless efficiency.

Pereira had barely unpacked his bags, but Anderson had seen the hallmarks of a head coach capable of taking Forest all the way to the final.

Anderson says Forest can 'definitely' win Europa League

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When asked if Forest can win the competition, his answer was immediate.

"Definitely," he added. "I think so. It’s definitely in my mind, and I hope it’s in the mind of the other players as well. We’ve definitely got a good chance, especially if we perform the way we have in the past two games.

"We can’t get complacent, obviously having the 3-0 advantage. I think we’ve got to attack every game as we want to win it."

As for Pereira’s early impact?

"Just the sort of energy he’s brought to the place, the confidence he’s given us players to go out there and play," Anderson explained. "I’m enjoying it.

"I think I’ve done well so far, but there’s still three, four months to go… So, you’ve just got to perform every game. You haven’t got time to drop your standards."

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