Roy Keane hails Vitor Pereira for spotting incredible ace snubbed by Sean Dyche in Fenerbahce win

Roy Keane Praises Vitor Pereira’s Masterstroke as Nottingham Forest Dismantle Fenerbahce

In what could prove a defining moment in Nottingham Forest’s chaotic 2025-26 campaign, new head coach Vitor Pereira received glowing praise from Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane after his side produced a stunning 3-0 Europa League playoff first-leg victory away to Fenerbahce on Thursday night.

Pereira, appointed just days earlier as the club’s fourth permanent manager of the season following Sean Dyche’s sacking, wasted no time stamping his authority on the team. The Portuguese tactician boldly selected Brazilian defender Murillo in a more adventurous role — a star who had been rarely utilised in forward positions or allowed such freedom under the ultra-defensive Dyche regime.

Murillo repaid that trust in spectacular fashion, smashing home a 25-yard thunderbolt in the 21st minute to set the tone in the intimidating Ülker Stadium atmosphere. Igor Jesus added a clever flicked header from a corner before half-time, while captain Morgan Gibbs-White sealed the rout early in the second period with a composed finish. The result leaves Forest in a commanding position ahead of next week’s return leg at the City Ground.

Speaking on Sky Sports immediately after the final whistle, Roy Keane — never one to hand out compliments lightly — was effusive in his assessment of Pereira’s decision-making.

“That’s what I love to see,” Keane said. “Vitor Pereira has come in and immediately given players the belief to express themselves. Murillo was stuck in a defensive shell under Dyche — rarely allowed to roam or show that quality we all know he has. Pereira spots talent and gives it freedom. That goal, the way they kept the ball under pressure… this is the kind of bold management Forest have been crying out for.”

The contrast with Dyche’s tenure could not be starker. Under the former Everton boss, Forest relied on a rigid, low-block system that many players privately felt stifled their creativity. Squad sources had spoken of “drudgery” in training and limited attacking licence, particularly for ball-playing defenders and flair players. Pereira, fresh from his Wolves spell, has promised a more balanced, possession-based approach while retaining the fight that kept the club up last season.Forest dominated proceedings, enjoying over 60% possession against a Fenerbahce side packed with expensive talent. The performance raised genuine hopes that the Reds’ turbulent season — which has already seen three managerial changes — could yet end with European silverware and even a surprise push for Champions League qualification.

Keane, a former Nottingham Forest midfielder himself, added: “Pereira deserves huge credit. He’s walked into a mess and in one game has players looking like they’re enjoying their football again. If he keeps this up, Forest could be the story of the season.”

With the second leg looming and a crucial Premier League survival battle still raging, Pereira’s early impact has injected fresh optimism around the City Ground. As Keane succinctly put it: “This is how you turn things around — trust the players and let them play.”