Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has spoken ahead of the Premier League clash against Liverpool
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White(Image: Ahmet Okatali/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Morgan Gibbs-White believes Nottingham Forest have already discovered a “real identity” under new boss Vitor Pereira ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Forest warmed up for Sunday’s visit of the champions with an impressive 3-0 win at Turkish side Fenerbahce in their Europa League play-off first leg on Thursday night.
It was Pereira’s first game in charge after ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche was sacked by Forest chairman Evangelos Marinakis with the team hovering above the relegation zone.
And Gibbs-White, who scored Forest’s third goal in Istanbul, believes matters have already changed due to Dyche having been replaced.
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“I felt we had a real identity out there,” he said to TNT Sports. “We defended well and we created so many chances.
“His message to us is that we will have a real identity how we play and defend as a team. We have all bought into what he wants straight away.
“It is about learning off each other and taking it game by game. We needed a clean sheet and we needed a win and (it) felt like the perfect moment.
“We have been going through a difficult time, confidence is the main thing and this will boost confidence. We just have to stay together and be the most complete team.”
Pereira said: “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.”