Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira pays touching tribute to Brian Clough prior to Europa League clash

Callum Vurley
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:46:49 +0000

Vitor Pereira has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Brian Clough ahead of tonight's Europa League semi-final clash with Aston Villa, revealing he grew up watching Forest dominate European football.

"I remember when I was a kid, Forest was one of the strongest teams in Europe," the Portuguese boss said. "The kids all went to a place with a television - in our village there was just one television!"

It's a touching memory that clearly still resonates with Pereira, who now finds himself on the brink of writing his own chapter in Forest's storied history.

"To compete for the best result, to make Brian Clough proud in heaven. This is the way we need to face the game," he added.

Under Clough, Forest famously lifted the European Cup two years in a row in 1979 and 1980, as the legendary manager shaped a fearsome outfit that conquered the continent.

Forest's European adventure this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The Reds have battled past Fenerbahce, Midtjylland and Porto to reach their fourth continental semi-final in the club's history.

Tonight's first leg at the City Ground represents the biggest European occasion for a whole generation of supporters who never witnessed Clough's glory days.

Pereira heads into the tie in fine form, with his side unbeaten across nine consecutive matches in all competitions.

It's a run that has steadied the ship during what's been a turbulent campaign, with the Portuguese becoming the fourth manager to take charge this season.

Earlier this week, Pereira took a stroll through Nottingham city centre where he came across the famous statue of Clough – and it clearly left an impression.

"I saw a big statue of Brian Clough and he makes people feel proud," he reflected.

The Forest boss was quick to play down any thoughts of his own legacy, insisting he's not after similar recognition.

"I'm not thinking about a statue, but we can imagine what he did for this city, because it stays in the city and the hearts of the people until now," Pereira explained.

It's that enduring connection between Clough and Nottingham that continues to inspire the current squad.

The challenge facing Forest tonight is formidable. Villa boss Unai Emery has lifted the Europa League trophy four times, earning him the title of the competition's king.

“It will be a very tough match”

Vitor Pereira previews the first all-English Europa League semi-final 🌍 pic.twitter.com/KLqY9IsywS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 30, 2026

"I'll face a top, top manager with his team, the king of the Europa League, because he has four trophies," Pereira acknowledged.

Forest will be without several important players for the clash, making the task even trickier against a Villa side sitting fifth in the Premier League.

Yet Pereira remains focused on the prize.

"We have a chance to write our names in the history of this club," he said. "We need to get to the final and win it."