Nottingham Forest have dispensed with the services of manager Vítor Pereira, leaving the Portuguese surprised at losing his job amid plans for the new season.
Pereira’s contract with Forest included a break clause allowing the club to terminate before the end of June. According to reports from leading English outlets, Forest communicated the decision to part ways at 11:58pm on 30 June, just two minutes before the end of the deadline.
Former Porto boss Pereira arrived at the City Ground in February, charged with helping the team avoid relegation having become Forest’s fourth permanent manager of the season. Pereira not only secured safety, which included a stunning 5-0 away win over Sunderland in April, he also led the Reds to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Pereira was clearly not anticipating leaving the club. According to the Daily Telegraph, the well-travelled coach had planned a full pre-season schedule in Portugal, as well as conducted talks with the board over new signings and the appointment of a goalkeeping coach. In his statement, Pereira admitted being surprised by the news.
Pereira’s full statement:
"Today marks the end of my journey as Head Coach of Nottingham Forest.
"I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club's right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.
"Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past 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 stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness. Watching them develop, fight for one another and represent this club with passion has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
"I would like to thank my coaching staff, the players, everyone behind the scenes, and especially the supporters. From my first day, your passion, loyalty and unwavering support made me feel incredibly welcome. You were 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 wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.
"I wish the players, the staff, the supporters and everyone at Nottingham Forest every success in the future. This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things."
Pereira, who has worked at 11 clubs since leaving Porto in 2013, is widely expected to be replaced by Oliver Glasner, who left Crystal Palace at the end of last season. The Austrian made history at Palace by winning the Europa Conference League, having also lifted the FA Cup and the Community Shield during a glorious period with the London club.
