Pereira is back in management just over three months after being sacked by Wolves, who at that point had taken just two points after 10 games.
He regrets not stepping down before the start of the season – first frustrated by what he perceived as the club moving too slowly to secure signings, then unhappy with the players they did deliver.
He still signed off on all the deals – pushing, in particular, for winger Jhon Arias, who was sold to Palmeiras earlier this month – but felt he never got his first choices.
There are parellels with Nuno’s exit from Forest – both were disillusioned with transfer business – but there should be no surprises or secrets between Pereira and Marinakis.
Pereira worked under the Forest owner at Olympiakos in 2015. It was only a six-month relationship, but still delivered a domestic double.
He left Olympiakos for Fenerbahce, who Forest face visit in the Europa League on Thursday, in the summer of 2015 – but reflects on that being a mistake as he jumped around clubs in a desire to make it to the Premier League.
One of his key tasks at Forest is to manage upwards, and understand the owner.
“He is ambitious. He wants to win. Emotional… I know him very well,” he said.
“I remember the energy and the fire we created. In Greece, there is a fire inside – they like to see the energy. He asked me to be myself. He liked the way when we worked together we won the league and cup.
“It was in the middle of the season and we created a good relationship. He trusts my work, I trust his personality. I think we need passion too.”
Marinakis had hoped Dyche would bring stability, but he failed to win over Forest’s expensively assembled squad.
Despite averaging nearly 1.5 points per game during his tenure, players were concerned about his training methods and focus on physicality and running.
Players’ opinions were canvassed after the defeat by Leeds earlier this month, and a number were summoned to see Marinakis following the 0-0 draw against Wolves on Wednesday.
Pereira has already spoken to his squad about the need for togetherness.
“If you buy the idea, it’s a good step,” he said. “If you don’t buy the idea of the manager, it’s a big problem – and you must also buy the personality.
“If you buy the idea and the person, you have an open mind to receive information and to work hard together, it’s possible to achieve what we want.
“Football is much more than tactical things. It’s about connecting with people specially doing that – to fight for a target together with commitment.
“It’s about connecting the supporters, with the team, club and city, to create the energy for everybody to believe in themselves, to create a good environment to work, and tactical ideas of course.
“I cannot change a lot because in a short time it’s a mistake [to try] but with clear ideas and good communication we can do it.”