has admitted that relegation would be a “disaster” for as his side prepare for a defining period in their season, with both Premier League survival and European success hanging in the balance.
Forest head into their crucial clash with on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against in the first leg of their quarter-final. While that result keeps their continental ambitions alive, their domestic situation remains far more precarious.
Pereira has been forced to carefully manage his squad, often rotating his lineup between league and European fixtures. Fringe players have been given opportunities in Europe, while his most trusted names are relied upon in the Premier League battle.
However, the Portuguese coach made it clear where the club’s priorities lie.
«“If we are not at the level in the Premier League, it will be a disaster,” Pereira warned. “I want to keep my club in the Premier League and fight to achieve the Europa League final.”»
Forest currently find themselves locked in a tense relegation fight, competing with the likes of , , and to maintain their top-flight status.
Despite the allure of European success, Pereira acknowledged that survival must come first—a stance shared by owner , who is ambitious for trophies but equally determined to avoid relegation.
“The priority is to keep the club in the Premier League,” Pereira added. “For the supporters, for everybody, it would be a disaster if we go to the Championship.”
Balancing both competitions presents a significant challenge. As Forest progress deeper into the Europa League, the level of opposition intensifies, demanding higher performance levels and stretching squad depth to its limits.
Yet, Pereira remains determined to chase both objectives. Having previously won the Europa League as an assistant with Porto, he now has his sights set on lifting the trophy as a head coach—a personal ambition that adds further intrigue to Forest’s campaign.
With a decisive second leg against Porto looming and a crucial run of league fixtures ahead, Forest’s season is approaching a pivotal moment. The outcome of the clash with Aston Villa could prove vital—not just for their survival hopes, but also for maintaining momentum as they chase European glory.
For Pereira and Nottingham Forest, the margin for error is rapidly shrinking. Success on one front cannot come at the expense of failure on the other—and navigating that fine line may ultimately define their season.
