Richard Keys: ‘The wheels are coming off at Nottingham Forest – this is what I think of Vitor Pereira’
Evangelos Marinakis has underwhelmed with the appointment of Vitor Pereira as Sean Dyche’s replacement at Nottingham Forest.
That is putting it politely, to say the least.
Richard Keys believes the “wheels seem to be coming off” now that Forest are onto their fourth manager of the season after Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Dyche, and he might be right.
The Tricky Trees are just three points above the Premier League relegation zone, battling with Tottenham, Leeds United and West Ham to stay afloat, while also battling in the Europa League.
Pereira has taken on quite the job, his first since being sacked by Wolves in November 2025, and while he was a much-loved figure at Molineux Stadium, very few at the City Ground are excited about his arrival.
He has 12 games of the Premier League season to prove himself, but Keys doesn’t sound too confident.
Evangelos Marinakis continues to surprise at Nottingham Forest
Writing on his personal blog (17 February), Keys said: “It’s taken a little longer than I thought it might, but the wheels seem to be coming off at Forest. It wasn’t a surprise to me that the erratic owner at the City Ground fired Sean Dyche last week.
“This is not because Dyche wasn’t doing his job, but because Evangelos Marinakis leans towards the eccentric – and I’m being kind using that phraseology. Marinakis is now onto his fourth coach of the season.
We’re in new territory here. Even for Forest and Watford, that’s unheard of. I wonder what chance there is of Marinakis making it five? I’ve nothing against Vitor Pereira – in fact, he comes across as a really nice guy.
“But is this the same Pereira that struggled to amass five points at Wolves this season? Honestly, it’s another one from the ‘couldn’t make it up’ files.”
What did Vitor Pereira say in his first Nottingham Forest press conference?
Supporters have been waiting desperately to hear Pereira’s first words at the City Ground, and that wait is no longer after he spoke ahead of Forest’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday, 22 February.
First games in charge do not get much trickier than the reigning Premier League champions, but he will have to quickly prove himself if he is to make it to the end of his 18-month contract.
He said, “I want to see everybody fighting and competing without fears. Facing the opponent without fear. And quality… And to express themselves. We have intentions to play in this way.”
The former Wolves boss is saying all the right things, but with games against Liverpool, Brighton, Man City and Fulham, it will quickly become apparent whether he has the capabilities to secure safety.