Vitor Pereira has been appointed as Nottingham Forest’s new head coach on an 18-month contract.
Forest manager moved quickly to find a replacement for Sean Dyche ahead of Thursday’s crucial Europa League first-leg first leg away to Fenerbahce.
Former Wolves manager Pereira was previously employed by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Olympiakos. In 2015, he won the league and cup double with the Greek team.
Pereira, Forest’s fourth head coach this season, replaces Dyche, who was sacked in the early hours of Thursday following Wolves’ 0-0 draw after just 114 days in charge.
The Portuguese head coach was appointed in December 2024 and led Wolves to good form last season, but was sacked after a poor start to the season. Wolves have been contacted as part of the protocol.
News of Dyche’s departure came about three hours after Forest were held to a goalless draw with Wolves, bottom of the Premier League. Dyche leaves Forest three points above the relegation zone with 12 games left in the season.
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Free to watch: Highlights of the draw between Wolves and Nottingham Forest, who were bottom of the Premier League before Sean Dyche’s sacking
Pereira was previously employed by Olympiakos Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. In 2015, he won the league and cup double with the Greek team.
Marinakis is understood to be frustrated at the club’s inability to make the most of its attacking talent and move out of the relegation zone.
Marinakis relies on acquaintances of Pereira
Pereira was previously employed by Olympiakos Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis
Anton Troi on Sky Sports News:
Forest, who sit just three points above the relegation zone, are currently relying on people they know.
Vitor Pereira previously managed Marinakis’ other club, Olympiakos, leading them to a league and cup double in 2015.
This time last year, he was the toast of the league after leading the Timberwolves to survival with just nine points in 16 games with a game remaining.
Forest will be hoping for the same.
They are clearly unfazed by Pereira’s start to the season in the West Midlands, but he picked up just two points from a potential 30 points before his sacking.
Forest will be the 14th club in his managerial career, but he has only stayed at one club for more than two years. Hire Pereira for a good period, not a long one.
Merce: Pereira appointment makes sense for Forest
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Paul Merson says he ‘understands’ why Vitor Pereira was chosen to replace Sean Dyche
Paul Merson of Sky Sports:
“That’s what the owners want, to bring him to 12 games, 12 cup finals.
“The owner doesn’t say anything. I understand Tottenham more than I do (with Igor Tudor). He’s been a manager in the Premier League and they’ve been involved in relegation battles before.”
“I hope he’s a thick-skinned guy, but getting fired could hurt his confidence.”
Nottingham Forest upcoming fixtures
Fenerbahce (A) – Europa League Knockout Play-offs First Leg – Thursday 19 February Kick-off 5:45pm Liverpool (H) – Premier League – Sunday 22 February, live on Sky Sports. 2pm kick-off Fenerbahce (H) – Europa League Knockout Play-Off Second Leg – Thursday 26th February Kick-off 8pm Brighton (A) – Premier League – Sunday 1st March, live on Sky Sports. 2pm kick-off Man City (A) – Premier League – Wednesday 4th March Kick-off 7.30pm Fulham (H) – Premier League – Saturday 14th March. Kickoff at 3pm
