Vitor Pereira says Nottingham Forest sacking came as 'complete surprise' with Glasner set to replace him

Vitor Pereira has broken his silence over his departure from Nottingham Forest, describing the decision as a “complete surprise” that arrived “without any warning”, despite steering the club to Premier League safety and a Europa League semi-final in his five months in charge. Oliver Glasner, who left Crystal Palace at the end of last season, is now reported to be poised to take over at the City Ground.

Pereira signed an 18-month contract at Forest in February but a break clause in the deal allowed the club to move on at the end of June. In a lengthy farewell statement, the Portuguese manager said he fully respected the club’s right to pursue a new direction, even as he acknowledged his disappointment at the manner of his exit.

“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 wrote. “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 won eight of his 20 matches in charge and secured Forest’s place in the Premier League for a fifth consecutive season. He also praised the development of the squad during his tenure, highlighting the growth in confidence and collective spirit he witnessed among the players.

“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,” he added. “I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment — only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories.”

The departure follows Pereira’s previous stint in English football, where he kept Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League the season before joining Forest. Glasner, who guided Crystal Palace to an FA Cup final victory in 2024, had been linked with several prominent managerial roles across Europe following his exit from Selhurst Park. Nottingham Forest declined to comment when contacted by the Press Association.