Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira is focusing on mindset rather than pressure as Forest face Aston Villa in a Europa League semi-final at the City Ground on Thursday, with the tie marking the first major European semi-final between two English sides since the 2008-09 Champions League meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Pereira wants Forest to approach this stage with freedom and calm, stressing that football challenges compare lightly with real-life struggles. Almost all of us have a fantastic life. When we say it’s a big challenge, of course it is, but it’s a good challenge. For some people, it is a challenge to move. This is a good challenge. I work in the Premier League. I have no reason to be worried, I just want to be there, enjoy it and compete.

Forest are competing in a major European semi-final for the fourth time, after reaching this phase in the 1978-79 and 1979-80 European Cup, going on to win the final in both campaigns, and in the 1983-84 UEFA Cup, when Forest lost 3-2 on aggregate to Anderlecht.

The Tricky Trees arrive with strong attacking numbers in this season’s Europa League. They have attempted 232 shots, with 88 efforts on target and 414 touches inside opposition penalty areas. All three figures are the second highest in the competition, behind Bologna, while Forest lead the tournament for expected goals with a total of 27.8.

That attacking intent has also carried over into domestic action. Forest boosted Premier League survival hopes with a 5-0 win at Sunderland on Friday, a result that moved the team five points above the relegation zone and gave the squad extra belief before facing Aston Villa in Europe.

Pereira has repeatedly underlined the importance of attitude across this crucial period, urging players to enjoy the contest. It will be good energy. What I ask every time in training and in games is for good energy, said Pereira.

Pereira links Forest’s approach to a broader life philosophy based on gratitude and effort. With good vibes we can achieve miracles, and in the end, we can be proud of ourselves. I think being positive is the only way to live life. We are moving our legs, we are breathing, it’s good weather. The family is happy. We are ready to fight until the end, which is the only mentality I want to see.

As Forest prepare to welcome Aston Villa for the first leg at the City Ground, Pereira is relying on this positive mindset, the team’s Europa League attacking data and renewed domestic confidence to guide another major European run, while insisting that enjoyment, commitment and perspective must shape everything Forest do during this semi-final tie.