Pereira aiming to bring European glory back to Forest

TL;DR

Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira aims to bring European glory back to the club, inspired by Brian Clough's legacy. They face Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final amid a Premier League relegation battle.

Key points

Vitor Pereira is the manager of Nottingham Forest.
Forest aims for their first continental trophy since 1980.
They face Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-finals.
Pereira seeks to emulate Brian Clough's legacy.
Forest is also fighting against relegation in the Premier League.

Mentioned in this story

Vitor PereiraBrian Clough

Nottingham ForestAston VillaEuropa League

Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira (CARLOS JASSO) (CARLOS JASSO/AFP/AFP) Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira has said he wants to emulate managerial great Brian Clough by bringing European glory to the club -- but does not expect a statue in the city. Forest take on Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, aiming for a first continental trophy since Clough masterminded back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980. The match takes place against the backdrop of a Premier League relegation fight for Forest after a turbulent season, though a six-match unbeaten run in the league has eased their fears. "If we want to put our name in the history of this club, we need to get to the final, to win the final," said Pereira, the fourth manager to lead Forest this season. "This is, of course, an inspiration for us. This is a big chance to move forward. "This week I went into the city centre and I saw the statue of the big manager of this club. I don't want my statue anywhere but we can imagine what he was in this city. "He's in the city centre because he did something fantastic that stays in the heart of these people until now. "For the new generations, for sure it's an inspiration for us. We try to do our best to work to emulate what he did." Forest face a tough challenge in the last four against Villa, who are also looking to end a long trophy drought. Villa boss Unai Emery has won four Europa League titles as a manager and the Birmingham club, fifth in the Premier League, are the favourites heading into the two-legged tie. "I want to be there and to enjoy and to compete, because I like to compete," Pereira said. "I'll face a top, top manager with his team, the king of the Europa League, because he has four trophies. "It will be a very great challenge for us. We have to compete with the true spirit of a champion." jw/jdg/dmc

Q&A

What does Vitor Pereira aim to achieve with Nottingham Forest?

Vitor Pereira aims to bring European glory back to Nottingham Forest, emulating the success of legendary manager Brian Clough.

Who are Nottingham Forest facing in the Europa League semi-finals?

Nottingham Forest is set to face Aston Villa in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.

What challenges is Nottingham Forest currently facing in the Premier League?

Nottingham Forest is battling relegation in the Premier League but has recently enjoyed a six-match unbeaten run.