'Huge desire' to return to European glory - Milenkovic

Nottingham Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic has hailed the "family atmosphere" created by Vitor Pereira and his coaching staff.

Pereira has won eight and lost just four of his 16 matches in charge in all competitions since replacing Sean Dyche in mid-February, and is currently overseeing a 10-game unbeaten run - Forest's longest for a decade.

"For sure this season has been turbulent for us," Milenkovic told media before Thursday's Europa league semi-final second leg against Aston Villa.

"The atmosphere in the club has been excellent, and hard work and commitment is paying off now.

"Vitor and his staff have had a strong impact. He's a passionate coach and has created a good bond and a family atmosphere between everyone which we can feel at the club."

Forest have the chance to reach a European final for the first time since 1980 - the second of their back-to-back European Cup wins under Brian Clough.

Milenkovic said the current squad feel the history as they prepare for another huge night.

"You can feel the huge desire to come back to all parts of European glory," he added.

"Of course, we feel the power of the tradition of the club, and have a huge desire to take it back to its old days of European glory.

"We will do everything on the pitch to make the fans proud and achieve glory. We try to think positive and compete against Villa."

Milenkovic also spoke one-on-one with Colin Fray of BBC Radio Nottingham, listen on BBC Sounds here or click play above

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