“This decision came as a complete surprise to me,” Vitor Pereira said in a statement as his tenure as Nottingham Forest head coach comes to an end.
Vitor Pereira says he received no warning before being sacked (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Vitor Pereira says he received no “warning” about his sudden sacking as Nottingham Forest manager.
The Portuguese issued a statement confirming that his tenure as Forest’s head coach had come to an end, saying: “This decision came as a complete surprise to me.”
Pereira signed an 18-month contract at the City Ground in February and helped Forest stay in the Premier League and reach the Europa League semi-finals.
There was a break clause in his June contract and Forest are understood to have told the Portuguese they wish to move in a different direction as the deadline approaches.
Pereira has been making plans for the new season, including pre-season preparations, and was also participating in player recruitment meetings.
Pereira said it was rewarding to work with the Forest players (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
According to reports, he is set to take over from Oliver Glasner after he left Crystal Palace at the end of last season.
Pereira, who kept Wolves in the Premier League last season, won eight of 20 games as Forest manager, ensuring the club played in the top flight for a fifth successive season.
Former Palace manager Glasner was linked with a number of top jobs in European football after winning the FA Cup and Conference League title a year later in 2024-25.
Pereira said in a statement: “Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of this great football club.”
“While this decision came as a complete surprise to me and came without warning, I fully respect the right to make the decision that I believe is best for the future of the club. Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I believed wholeheartedly in what we have built together and I leave proud of everything we have achieved over the past few months.”
“Together we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League and created moments that will remain in our hearts forever. Most importantly, we saw the group of players grow in confidence, belief and cohesion.”
Pereira spoke of how rewarding it was to coach the Forest players. He added: “Watching them grow, fight for each other and represent this club with such passion has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff, the players, everyone behind the scenes and especially the supporters. From day one, your passion, loyalty and unwavering support made me feel incredibly welcome. You have been with us through every challenge and every success, and I will always be grateful for that.”
“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment, only respect, gratitude and great memories. There have been many unexpected moments in football and this chapter has come to an end sooner than I expected, but I will always look back on my time here with pride and fondness.”
“I wish the players, staff, supporters and everyone at Nottingham Forest all the best for the future. This is a special club and I sincerely hope that it continues to grow and achieve great things. Thank you, Vitor Pereira, for everything.”
