Nottingham Forest surprised everyone by letting Vitor Pereira go in a really unexpected way, thanks to a secret clause that just came to light.
Nottingham Forest have surprisingly let go of Vitor Pereira, and they’ve already picked someone to take his place.
Pereira was hired just five months ago to replace Sean Dyche and seemed to be doing well. The Portuguese coach joined in February as the club’s fourth manager this season. During his time, he helped Forest finish 16th in the Premier League and, importantly, guided them to the Europa League semi-finals—a first for the club since 1984.
He still had a year left on his contract, and talks about extending it were happening as recently as last month. So, the news that he was sacked came as a complete surprise to him. In a statement, Pereira said, “Although this decision came as a complete surprise and without warning, I respect the club’s right to make choices for its future. I’m naturally disappointed but proud of what we achieved together. I leave with respect, thanks, and great memories.”
What makes this even tougher is how the club told him. Just yesterday, Pereira and Forest officials were planning pre-season games in Portugal, including matches against Udinese and Barcelona. But there was a secret clause in Pereira’s contract allowing the club to sack him at any time—if they did it before June 30. Forest waited until 11:58 pm on June 30 to inform him, but instead of a phone call, they sent him an email.
This sudden move raises questions about why Forest changed their minds so quickly. It appears they’re close to hiring Oliver Glasner, the former Crystal Palace manager, as the new head coach. Glasner, who left Palace at the end of last season, led them to win the Europa Conference League and the FA Cup. Talks with the 51-year-old began earlier this summer, and the deal is expected to be finalized soon.
If confirmed, Glasner will be Forest’s fifth manager in less than a year, following Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche, and Pereira.