Nottingham Forest Dismissal Of Vitor Pereira Shocks Club Ahead Of Glasner's Return

Vitor Pereira has confirmed that Nottingham Forest dismissed the head coach, describing the decision as a complete shock. Nottingham Forest are expected to appoint former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner as successor, with an agreement reported to be close. Pereira will therefore not lead Nottingham Forest into the new campaign, despite guiding the club through a demanding 2025-26 season.

Pereira revealed that discussions over a contract extension had already stalled last month, although both sides had been expected to revisit talks later in the year. The coach’s existing deal ran until June 2027, and reports had linked Pereira with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal before this sudden change at the City Ground.

The Portuguese coach only arrived in February, replacing Sean Dyche during a turbulent 2025-26 campaign that saw four different Nottingham Forest head coaches. Despite the instability, Pereira kept Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and took the team deep into Europe, achievements that appeared to have strengthened the coach’s position before the dismissal.

During 20 matches in all competitions, Pereira oversaw eight wins, six draws and six defeats. Nottingham Forest finished 16th in the Premier League and reached the Europa League semi-finals under Pereira’s guidance, ensuring both survival and a strong European run in the closing weeks of the season.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Pereira stressed surprise but also respect for Nottingham Forest’s choice to move in another direction. Although negotiations had paused, Pereira had been widely expected to continue as head coach, with the club apparently planning to revisit talks after assessing the early part of the next season.

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, Pereira said in a statement to BBC Sport. 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.

Pereira highlighted the strong end to the season, describing how Nottingham Forest stayed in the Premier League and advanced to the Europa League semi-finals. The coach also underlined the development within the squad, focusing on the growing belief and unity that appeared across the dressing room during that intense final stretch.

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 leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentmentonly 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. This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things.

Nottingham Forest now move towards confirming Oliver Glasner, while Pereira departs reflecting on a short but influential spell. The coach leaves after stabilising a chaotic 2025-26 season, preserving Premier League status and delivering a deep European run, achievements that Pereira says will remain important memories despite the abrupt nature of the exit.