Murillo has offered a refreshingly honest assessment of the “problems” that have affected Nottingham Forest this season, while also outlining the early impact of new head coach Vitor Pereira. The Brazilian centre-back, who has quickly become a fans’ favourite at the City Ground, admitted that inconsistency and lapses in concentration have cost the team valuable points.
Forest’s campaign has been punctuated by promising performances followed by frustrating setbacks. Murillo acknowledged that defensive errors at key moments have undermined the team’s hard work. “Sometimes we play very well for 70 or 80 minutes,” he explained, “but in this league, if you lose focus for five minutes, you are punished.” His comments reflect the unforgiving nature of the Premier League, where fine margins often determine results.
The defender stressed that communication and collective responsibility are areas the squad has been working hard to improve. While Forest have shown resilience in spells, particularly at home, they have struggled to maintain structure when under sustained pressure. Murillo was candid in saying that the team must “suffer better” — embracing the difficult phases of matches rather than allowing frustration to creep in.
Since Pereira’s arrival, however, there have been signs of a shift in mentality. The Portuguese coach is known for his tactical organisation and demand for discipline, and Murillo believes those qualities are already filtering through the dressing room. Training sessions, he noted, have become more detail-oriented, with a strong emphasis on positioning and transitions.
“Every coach has his ideas,” Murillo said, “but what I see is that he wants us to be compact and brave.” That balance — defensive solidity combined with courage in possession — appears central to Pereira’s blueprint. Forest’s build-up play has looked more structured in recent weeks, with clearer patterns when progressing the ball from the back.
Murillo himself has benefited from the renewed focus. His composure on the ball and willingness to step into midfield have been standout features of his game. Under Pereira, he has been encouraged to trust his instincts while maintaining discipline within the system. That trust has helped the 22-year-old grow in confidence, particularly when facing high-calibre opposition.
Importantly, Murillo also highlighted the psychological side of Forest’s struggles. Confidence can fluctuate during a demanding season, especially when results fail to reflect performances. He admitted that setbacks earlier in the campaign tested the squad’s belief but insisted the group remains united. “We know our quality,” he said. “We just need to show it consistently.”
Supporters have responded positively to the team’s renewed intensity, sensing that Pereira’s influence could stabilise the club’s trajectory. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, there is cautious optimism that Forest can translate improved structure into tangible results.
For Murillo, the path forward is clear: eliminate avoidable mistakes, stay mentally sharp, and embrace the collective ethos the new manager is instilling. His openness about the team’s shortcomings demonstrates maturity beyond his years, and it aligns with the accountability Pereira demands.
Forest’s season may still hinge on fine margins, but with honest reflection from leaders like Murillo and a clearer tactical direction under Pereira, there is hope that the “problems” he described can become lessons rather than recurring themes.
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