Vitor Pereira has signaled a major tactical shift at Nottingham Forest, suggesting the club will move away from the pragmatic approach of the previous regime. Under his leadership, the side looks set to embrace a more expansive style of play, with Omari Hutchinson and Callum Hudson-Odoi expected to be the primary beneficiaries of this new philosophy.
The Reds were nothing short of mesmerizing during their first-half display against Fenerbahce. Even in the second period, with the result effectively secured, the team continued to probe and push forward, showing a relentless desire to truly kill off the contest. Both Hudson-Odoi and Hutchinson looked like transformed players in Turkey, as Pereira prioritized getting his creative wingers on the ball in high-leverage, dangerous areas of the pitch.
Following the impressive midweek victory, Pereira’s comments regarding his tactical blueprint will be music to the ears of his attacking stars—and those waiting for an opportunity from the bench. The Portuguese head coach has managed to make an immediate impact at the City Ground, revitalizing the squad’s energy even before overseeing his first Premier League fixture.
After a difficult period defined by underwhelming performances under Sean Dyche, Pereira has effectively taken the shackles off. The Forest squad appeared to buy into the new strategy instantly, thriving under the instruction to play with more freedom. Hutchinson and Hudson-Odoi stand out as the players with the most to gain, provided Pereira maintains the attacking intent he displayed following the win over Fenerbahce.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Pereira explained his vision: “Football for me, we need to play as a team and with a true spirit. We need to play with organization, which allows the players to express themselves. That’s why I tell them to go one-v-one, believe in themselves, cross in the box, appear in the box to score and believe you can score. When you lose the ball, it’s important to be aggressive, to be balanced and if possible, organized and impactful. The team must know the right moment to press, because you cannot press every time.”
There is now a growing feeling that both Hutchinson and Hudson-Odoi deserve a sustained run in the starting XI. Too often in the past, the focus was placed on worrying about the opposition rather than focusing on Forest’s own ability to produce positive, front-foot football.
Now is the time for Pereira to stick with his wingers to allow chemistry to develop alongside the likes of Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White. For a player of Hudson-Odoi’s caliber, a higher return of goals and assists is expected, but that consistency will only come with regular minutes. Similarly, while Hutchinson has been a “slow burner” since joining, his ability to cut inside on his left foot remains a potent weapon. It is refreshing for fans to hear a head coach prioritize positive football; while it may not work every week, Pereira seems far better suited to this specific group of players than his predecessor.
