Vitor Pereira’s 1.75 stint has saved his reputation but he could still leave Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest could still decide to part ways with manager Vitor Pereira this summer, even if he keeps them in the Premier League.
The 57-year-old’s impact since arriving in February has been nothing short of tremendous, with his team now well on their way to securing their safety in the top flight.
Nottingham Forest had been sleepwalking towards the drop under Sean Dyche, but have now won their last five games across all competitions and have not lost since the middle of March.
Thursday’s trip to Aston Villa represents a chance to go to the Europa League final, with Chris Wood’s goal in last week’s first leg handing Pereira’s side the advantage.
The Nottingham Forest manager will rightly see the game as a huge opportunity, not only for his team, but for his future at the City Ground.
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VISIT THE NEXT MANAGER HUBWolves tenure haunts Vitor Pereira
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Pereira will be sacked if Nottingham Forest are relegated, and his future is not necessarily secure if they stay up.
The Portuguese manager was given a contract until the summer of 2027 when he was appointed at the City Ground, but his time at Wolves will prompt some doubts.
| Vitor Pereira | Nottingham Forest 2026-current |
| Wins | 8 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Scored | 31 |
| Conceded | 13 |
| Points per game | 1.75 |
Pereira did a similarly good job at Molineux last season, arriving mid-season and keeping them in the Premier League after a brilliant burst of late-season form.
But this season, Wolves started the season awfully and failed to win a single Premier League game until he was sacked in November.
Who is to say that a similar effect will not take place at the City Ground next season? Pereira’s team are playing brilliantly, but so were his Wolves team.
The 57-year-old may need to do something more to secure his place at Nottingham Forest next season, and the Europa League offers the perfect chance.
Nottingham Forest can take step towards 36-year history
The last major honour Nottingham Forest won was the League Cup in 1990, when they beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 courtesy of Nigel Jemson’s goal.
The Tricky Trees have dreamed of lifting more silverware since, and this season represents their best chance in a long, long time.
Pereira’s side travel to Villa Park on Thursday knowing that just a draw will see them just 90 minutes away from the club’s best night this side of the millennium.
Bring that trophy home, and Nottingham Forest decision-makers will have no choice but to hand Pereira their backing for this summer and the foreseeable future.