Nottingham Forest’s captain, Morgan Gibbs-White, praised his team for showcasing a “real identity” during their emphatic 3-0 Europa League victory against Fenerbahce, marking the debut of new manager Vitor Pereira.
Pereira stepped in as Forest’s fourth manager this tumultuous season, and his inaugural match could not have gone better. The team took a commanding lead in the first leg of the playoff round in Istanbul.
Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Gibbs-White himself ensured a memorable night for Forest, signaling a strong fresh start following Sean Dyche’s departure.
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In a potential reference to Dyche, Gibbs-White stated on TNT Sports, “I felt like we had a real identity out there today.”
“His message to us emphasizes having a distinct style of play and how we defend as a unit,” he added. “I believe he and his staff have infused a positive energy into the squad, and we all immediately embraced his vision. It’s crucial for us to understand and connect with one another.”
“We are beginning to establish that identity, and I believe we showed it clearly today. It’s about fostering our learning from each other and focusing on one game at a time.”
This win positions Forest favorably for the decisive second leg at home next week. If they secure another good performance, they will advance to the last 16 against either Real Betis or Midtjylland.
Pereira’s primary goal in this role is to maintain Forest’s Premier League status, and this performance should instill confidence ahead of their upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday.
“As a player, it’s essential to relish each moment,” Gibbs-White noted. “Given how fast football moves, it can be challenging to savor these moments. We can celebrate this win and then focus on preparing for Liverpool on the weekend.”
“We’ve faced some tough times, and building confidence is critical. This win will certainly uplift our spirits. We need to stay united and become the most cohesive team possible.”
Pereira expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and is optimistic about securing Premier League safety. “What impressed me most was the players’ quality. I encouraged them to express themselves on the pitch, and they did just that,” he remarked.
“Before arriving, I recognized that the team possessed significant talent. They need results, but they must also enjoy playing the game. When they enjoy their performance, they can achieve a high level of play. What they require is organization and confidence.”
“Of course, I am confident. We will approach each match with the intent to win. It won’t be easy; securing three goals and keeping a clean sheet is an accomplishment in itself. The next game will pose different challenges, and we need to maintain consistency.”