“A great job” – Super Eagles star credits Nottingham Forest coach for turnaround

Super Eagles star Ola Aina has revealed the impact of Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira on the club’s recent improvements this season, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nottingham Forest are set to take on Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final on Thursday, showing just how far the Tricky Trees have improved since Pereira’s arrival at the club.

The former Wolves head coach took charge at the City Ground in February, becoming their fourth permanent manager of the season after the exits of Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche during a difficult campaign.

Since then, he has overseen a remarkable turnaround and Nottingham Forest, who spent much of the early parts of the campaign battling for survival in the Premier League, have now climbed away from danger following a strong run of results.

They are currently unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, including big wins over the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Sunderland, who they thrashed 5-1 in their most recent outing.

Ola Aina heaps praises on Nottingham Forest coach Pereira

Nottingham Forest secured their place in the semifinals of the Europa League with a 2-1 aggregate win over FC Porto, reaching their first European semifinal in 42 years. 

The Tricky Trees will host Aston Villa at the City Ground in the first leg today, with the return leg scheduled to take place at Villa Park next week.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Aina was full of praise for Vitor Pereira, whose arrival has sparked a remarkable improvement at the club.

“You could say more goals or players coming back from injuries”, Aina told NFFC TV.

“Obviously the boss has done a great job behind the scenes, but I think it’s just hard work.

“He’s brought his ideas in and I think they resonate with a lot of players so I think it’s been easy to buy into. We’ve hit good form now. We’re working hard every week to put ourselves in better positions”, the Nigerian defender concluded.

Nottingham Forest will now look to carry their momentum into the semifinal clash with Aston Villa over two legs as they chase a place in their first European final since 1980.