Vitor Pereira goes way out of his to do something Sean Dyche never did as Nottingham Forest manager and fans immediately spot it

Vitor Pereira goes way out of his to do something Sean Dyche never did as Nottingham Forest manager and fans immediately spot it

Vítor Pereira wasted no time making his mark at Nottingham Forest, steering the club to a stunning 3-0 victory over Fenerbahçe in the first leg of their Europa League knockout play-off tie—his debut match in charge. The emphatic win in Istanbul, featuring goals from defender Murillo, forward Igor Jesus, and captain Morgan Gibbs-White, has fans buzzing and immediately highlighted a stark contrast to his predecessor, Sean Dyche.

Pereira, appointed just days earlier as Forest’s fourth manager of a chaotic season following Dyche’s sacking after 114 days, went way out of his way to embrace the occasion in a manner Dyche never did. Known for his tactical nous and prior spells managing Fenerbahçe (where he built strong ties with supporters), Pereira actively leaned into the emotional and cultural side of the game. He spoke warmly in pre-match interviews about his “great memories” of the club and fans, framing the clash as a special return rather than just another fixture. Post-win, his approachable style shone through—echoing his time at Wolves where he famously joined supporters for pints, something Dyche’s more reserved, no-nonsense demeanor avoided entirely.

Forest fans spotted it instantly. On social media and forums, supporters praised Pereira’s warmth and willingness to connect beyond the touchline. “Dyche kept it strictly business—no fan moments, no real spark,” one fan tweeted. “Pereira’s already talking like one of us.” The Portuguese coach’s bold team selections—recalling Murillo from injury and starting Jesus—paid off spectacularly, but it was his personal touch that resonated most. In a turbulent campaign where Forest hover precariously above relegation, this victory isn’t just three points toward the last 16; it’s a signal of renewed energy and relatability.

While survival remains priority one, Pereira’s instant impact—bold tactics fused with genuine fan engagement—has Tricky Trees dreaming bigger. Dyche delivered results at times (including a 4-0 Europa win), but never bridged the personal gap like this. Fans see a manager going the extra mile, and they’re loving every second of it.