Nottingham Forest part ways with manager Vitor Pereira in shock exit
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the departure of head coach Vitor Pereira after exercising a mutual break clause, ending his brief but successful tenure at the City Ground.
The 57-year-old Portuguese tactician leaves despite guiding the East Midlands club to Premier League safety and a Europa League semi-final last season.
His exit comes shortly after the former Porto boss released a statement describing the decision as a complete surprise and without any warning.
Break clause ends brief tenure
The City Ground hierarchy activated a mutual break clause in the 18-month contract he originally signed in February.
An official club statement thanked the departing coaching team for their considerable efforts and enormous dedication.
They credited the outgoing staff with securing their top-flight status and providing the foundations for future success.
Five members of his backroom team, including assistants Filipe Almeida and Luis Miguel, have also vacated their positions.
Disappointment despite European success
The European specialist expressed his deep sadness at the sudden termination of his contract.
“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.” Vitor Pereira
“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.”
Under his stewardship, the two-time European Cup winners enjoyed a memorable conclusion to their campaign.
Navigating a difficult domestic season, the Portuguese coach successfully steered his squad away from the relegation zone.
Simultaneously, he orchestrated an impressive continental run that only concluded at the semi-final stage of the Europa League.
Glasner linked with vacant role
Attention now turns to who will succeed the 57-year-old in the City Ground dugout.
Reports suggest that Oliver Glasner is the leading candidate to take charge ahead of the new campaign.
The Austrian manager has been out of work since leaving Premier League rivals Crystal Palace at the end of last season.