Vítor Pereira: 'Management Must Stay, But We Won't Give Up on Europa League' Vítor Pereira, manager of Nottingham Forest, addressed the team’s approach to the UEFA Europa League and their upcoming fixtures, emphasizing resilience and focus. Speaking ahead of a crucial match against FC Porto, Pereira reiterated that the club’s management structure must remain intact, though he stressed that the team’s ambitions in the competition are far from abandoned. “A gestão tem de manter-se, mas isso não quer dizer que desistimos da Liga Europa,” he said, highlighting the importance of maintaining stability while pursuing success. Pereira acknowledged the challenges of balancing the Premier League and Europa League commitments, noting that the team must find the right equilibrium. “É sobre acreditar no nosso trabalho e ser resiliente,” he remarked, underscoring the need for mental and physical preparation. The manager also addressed the absence of Elliot Anderson, who missed training due to personal issues, stating that the club respects his situation while focusing on the upcoming matches. “Não esteve no treino, teve problemas pessoais e temos de respeitar. Para o jogo veremos,” Pereira said, leaving the final decision on Anderson’s availability to the matchday. The Forest manager expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete against FC Porto, a team he described as “forte e num bom momento.” He praised the Portuguese giants’ intensity and physicality, noting that their style of play demands full preparation from opponents. “O FC Porto joga de forma intensa, acelerada, pressionante. Têm um perfil de jogo que não é difícil de identificar,” Pereira explained. He emphasized that his team must adapt to these challenges, relying on their own strengths and the support of their fans.#burnley #uefa_europa_league #fc_porto #nottingham_forest #vit_pereira
Gary Lineker claims new tactic David Moyes is using at Everton is ‘embarrassing’ Everton’s new kick-off routine has drawn sharp criticism from former England striker Gary Lineker, who called the approach “embarrassing” during a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast. The tactic, which involves launching the ball high into the air from the center circle and into Burnley’s half at the start of matches, has sparked debate across the Premier League. While the strategy was designed to disrupt opponents and create space, Lineker expressed disappointment with its execution, particularly during Everton’s 2-1 victory over Burnley at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The game marked Everton’s first win at the venue in three months, but the unconventional start to the match divided opinions. Lineker, who has generally praised the club’s performance this season, was unimpressed by the team’s decision to adopt a rugby-style kick-off. He questioned the effectiveness of the move, suggesting it lacked tactical purpose and instead appeared gimmicky. “Some teams like scoop the ball up and do like a massive hoik it right up in the air to the edge,” Lineker said, adding, “I mean, come on guys, it’s embarrassing.” Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Everton’s midfielder, provided insight into the rationale behind the tactic, acknowledging it as a challenging approach for defenders to counter. However, the criticism from Lineker highlights growing concerns about the club’s emphasis on spectacle over strategic clarity. Despite the win, the team’s lack of style points from the former striker underscores the divide between fan expectations and the perceived value of such tactics.#gary_lineker #david_moyes #everton #burnley #hill_dickinson_stadium
