In this video
- An honour, he says, and a lot of feelings: eight years at this club, five in the youth ranks and three with the first team. Tomorrow he is in the other dugout, and he expects a fantastic game.
“The priority is to win the next game and next game is tomorrow.”
- Back in team training and in the squad, Pereira confirms. The physical load still needs managing, but travelling with the group means he is fit enough to play a part, and an experienced scorer matters with the fixtures stacking up.
- Not the first time he has said it, Pereira notes: the technical quality, the intelligence, and the spirit to defend as well as attack. That last part is what makes him an honour to work with.
- Asked playfully whether he wants to see the home coach humbled, Pereira refuses the framing. Years at a club build a strong connection, he says, and he returns with the utmost respect and gratitude, coming to do a job rather than settle anything.
- They were a fundamental part of his career and his success here, and he says he does not know how they will receive him. What he will not do is pretend the night is ordinary.
- A big club lives on titles, and turbulence follows when they stop coming. He watched those years with attention and an emotional connection, and sees a club now transitioning, believing again, and rising from the ashes toward the top.
- He is not surprised both became coaches: one always carried a contagious energy even as a young player, the other captained at a very high level and was clearly smart enough. Porto were right to bring them into the first team, he says.
Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira speaks ahead of a huge Europa League clash against Porto, describing his emotional return to the club where he won major titles as both special and unforgettable.
Vítor Pereira admits there are strong feelings attached to coming back to the Dragão, but makes it clear that his focus is fully on helping Nottingham Forest compete and win in a major European quarter-final.
The Forest boss also gives a positive update on Chris Wood, explains how he is balancing the Europa League with the Premier League relegation battle, and praises striker Igor Jesus after his outstanding run in Europe.
With momentum building at the club and confidence growing inside the squad, Forest are aiming to cause a big upset away from home. Can Nottingham Forest take a huge step toward the Europa League semi-finals against Porto?
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