Forest 'express themselves' as Pereira message hits home

Vitor Pereira asked his Nottingham Forest players to "express themselves" prior to their commanding victory at Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off tie.

It could not have gone much better for the Portuguese in his first game in charge of the club, who recorded their biggest ever win away from home in European competition.

Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus and captain Morgan Gibbs-White underpinned a dominant Forest performance that could arguably have delivered an even more emphatic winning margin.

Pereira told TNT Sports: "We had chance to score two more goals. It was a very good result. It is only half-time, we need to be consistent, the schedule is tight and difficult.

"Everyone must be ready to help the team. This is what I ask them.

"I realised before I came that the players have a lot of quality. They need results but they need to enjoy the game.

"If they enjoy the way they are playing they can have a high level. They need organisation and confidence. I asked them to express themselves on the pitch. They did it."

Sitting fourth bottom in the Premier League, just three points above the relegation zone, Forest's main aim is to stay up.

However, extending their first European campaign since 1995-96 would also boost confidence at club that twice won the European Cup under Brian Clough.

And Forest, who host Fenerbahce in the second leg at the City Ground on Thursday, 26 February (20:00 GMT), are now strong favourites to reach the last 16 where they will face either Midtjylland or Real Betis.