EPL: New Forest Boss Viktor Pereira Trusts Owner

Pereira takes reins at Nottingham Forest

Vitor Pereira confident Forest can survive relegation with quality players, despite tough Premier League. Vitor Pereira trusts Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, despite turbulent management history.

“This is a difficult season for the players, because it's different methodologies, different managers,”

Vitor Pereira is optimistic about working with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, despite Marinakis being known for his turbulent management style, having fired three managers before Pereira. Pereira, who previously worked with Marinakis at Olympiakos, trusts the owner's vision and believes their past success together will help Forest avoid relegation.

Vítor Pereira's first press conference as Forest Head Coach. 🎬

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 17, 2026

Pereira's appointment marks his fourth managerial role this season, following stints at Wolves, Fenerbahce, and Shanghai SIPG. He takes over a Forest team struggling in 17th place, three points above the relegation zone, with 12 games left to secure their Premier League status.

Vitor Pereira has a history with Evangelos Marinakis, having worked under him at Olympiacos, where they enjoyed a successful spell in Greece. This past experience has likely influenced Pereira's decision to trust Marinakis despite the owner's reputation for changing managers frequently.

“He is ambitious, he wants to win,” Pereira said as he was unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday. “(He's) emotional, I know him very well.

“The conversation was about our time in Olympiacos. I remember the energy and the fire we created. In Greece there is a fire inside, they like to see the energy.

“He asked me to be myself, he liked the way when we worked together we won the league and cup.

“It was in the middle of the season and we created a good relationship. He trusts my work, I trust his personality.”

Pereira takes the reins at Nottingham Forest with 12 games left in the Premier League season, and they're just three points outside the relegation zone. He's no stranger to turning teams around, having saved Wolves from relegation last season before being sacked in November.

Read Also: Nottingham Forest in Turmoil: Marinakis' Impulsive Sackings Push Club Toward Record Fourth Manager

The Portuguese coach believes Forest, who finished seventh last season, have the talent to stay up. He'll be looking to instill confidence in his players and get them performing at their best. Pereira's first test is Thursday's Europa League play-off against Fenerbahce.

“This is a difficult season for the players, because it's different methodologies, different managers,” added the 57-year-old.

Up next, @EuropaLeague knockout phase play-off action. 👊 pic.twitter.com/ONbGjL6iIh

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 17, 2026

“It's not easy, but I believe the reason why I accept this job is because I believe in the quality of the players, because I believe in the potential of this club, the ambition of the president.

“Of course, I believe that it's possible (to stay up). I believe that we can get points, results and quality in the games.”