Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira has urged his squad to stay grounded and united as they quickly shift focus from European celebration to a critical Premier League survival battle against Burnley.
Forest come into Sunday’s clash riding a wave of confidence after their hard-fought Europa League quarter-final triumph over Porto, a result that secured progression to the semi-finals against Aston Villa. But despite the European success, Pereira has warned that complacency could undo their recent progress.
“Second family” message drives dressing room unity
Pereira revealed he addressed his players before the midweek European tie, stressing the importance of unity within the squad during a demanding season.
He described the group as a “second family,” highlighting the emotional and collective bond built through shared highs and lows. The manager acknowledged that difficult selection decisions have been necessary, with some players missing out despite strong performances in training.
His message was clear: success depends not just on talent, but on togetherness and response to adversity.
Focus quickly shifts back to survival fight
While European progression has boosted morale, Forest’s Premier League position remains precarious with just six games left to play.
Pereira has warned that Burnley—despite sitting near the bottom of the table—cannot be underestimated, insisting that every remaining fixture demands full intensity.
He stressed that motivation and effort, rather than reputation or league position, will decide the outcome at the City Ground.
Consistency building at a crucial moment
Forest are currently unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, a run that has helped stabilise their season under Pereira’s leadership.
The manager credited that improvement to growing consistency in both performance and mentality, alongside strong backing from supporters at home.
However, he was quick to caution that momentum means little unless maintained, especially with pressure increasing as the campaign reaches its final stretch.
Home support seen as key factor
Pereira also emphasised the importance of the City Ground atmosphere, describing the connection between players and supporters as a driving force behind recent results.
He believes that energy from the stands can help push the team through difficult moments, particularly in tightly contested matches where margins are small.
No room for relaxation in final run-in
Despite the positive momentum, the Forest boss has made it clear that the squad cannot afford to relax after their European achievement.
He warned that assuming victory against Burnley would be a mistake, reinforcing the need for focus and discipline in every remaining match.
For Forest, the message is simple: Europe may offer excitement, but Premier League survival still demands full attention.
