"With Good Vibes We Can Achieve Miracles," Says Forest Boss Pereira

Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has emphasized the power of positivity ahead of his side's Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa on Thursday. The match at the City Ground marks the first major European semi-final between two English clubs since the 2008-09 Champions League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Forest are making their fourth appearance in a major European semi-final, having previously reached this stage in the 1978-79 and 1979-80 European Cup—winning both finals—and the 1983-84 UEFA Cup, where they fell 3-2 on aggregate to Anderlecht.

This season, Forest rank second in the Europa League for shots (232), shots on target (88), and touches in the opposition box (414), trailing only Bologna in each category. However, they lead the competition in expected goals (xG) with 27.8.

The team’s morale received a further boost with a 5-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Friday, extending their cushion above the relegation zone to five points.

Pereira has called on his players to maintain a positive mindset, stressing that their challenges pale in comparison to the hardships others face.

"It will be good energy. What I ask every time in training and in games is for good energy," Pereira said. "With good vibes, we can achieve miracles, and in the end, we can be proud of ourselves."

He added, "I think being positive is the only way to live life. We are moving our legs, we are breathing, it’s good weather. The family is happy. We are ready to fight until the end, which is the only mentality I want to see."

Pereira also reflected on the privilege of competing at the highest level: "Almost all of us have a fantastic life. When we say it’s a big challenge, of course it is, but it’s a good challenge. For some people, it is a challenge to move. This is a good challenge. I work in the Premier League. I have no reason to be worried, I just want to be there, enjoy it, and compete."