Nottingham Forest head coach Vítor Pereira praised his side’s performance after they claimed a 3-0 victory away to Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off.

The emphatic win in Istanbul marked Forest’s biggest away triumph in European competition and represented a dream start for Pereira, who was appointed last weekend following the departure of Sean Dyche.

Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed a commanding result, although the visitors created enough opportunities to make the margin even more convincing.

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

Pereira is Forest’s fourth managerial appointment of the season, following spells under Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Dyche. The 57-year-old has inherited a side sitting just three points above the Premier League relegation zone, adding further significance to Thursday’s result.

“Everyone must be ready to help the team. This is what I ask from them,” Pereira said. “Before I came, I realised the players have a lot of quality. They need results, but they also need to enjoy the game.

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

Forest return to domestic action on Sunday when they host Liverpool in the league, before welcoming Fenerbahce to the City Ground on February 26 for the decisive second leg, with a place in the last 16 at stake.