Vitor Pereira claims Nottingham Forest exit came ‘without any warning’

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The Independent

1 July 2026

Vitor Pereira

has claimed his departure from

Nottingham Forest

came as a "complete surprise” and "without any warning".

Pereira, who signed an 18-month deal at the City Ground in February, successfully steered Forest to

Premier League

survival and a

Europa League

semi-final appearance.

However, there was break clause in his contract for June and the club informed the Portuguese boss of their desire to pursue a new direction as the expiry date approached.

Reports now indicate that

Oliver Glasner

, who left Crystal Palace at the end of last season, is poised to take over the managerial role.

Pereira said in a statement: “Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club.

“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.

“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.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s

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.

open image in gallery

Vitor Pereira kept

up last season (Mike Egerton/PA)

“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 would like to thank my coaching staff, the players, everyone behind the scenes, and especially the supporters. From my first day, your passion, loyalty and unwavering support made me feel incredibly welcome. You were with us through every challenge and every success, and I will always be grateful for that.

“I leave

with no bitterness or resentment — only 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.

“I wish the players, the staff, the supporters and everyone at

every success in the future.

“This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things.

“Thank you for everything, Vitor Pereira.”

The club declined to comment when contacted by the Press Association.

Pereira, who also kept Wolves in the

the season before, won eight of his 20 matches in charge of Forest and ensured the club will play a fifth successive season in the top flight.

Former Palace boss Glasner was linked with a number of top jobs across European football after he won the FA Cup in the 2024-25 season followed by the Conference League title a year later.

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