Nottingham Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic has praised the "family atmosphere" fostered by manager Vitor Pereira and his coaching staff, as the club prepares for a historic Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa.

Since taking over from Sean Dyche in mid-February, Pereira has transformed Forest's fortunes, winning eight and losing just four of his 16 matches across all competitions. The team is currently riding a 10-game unbeaten streak—their longest in a decade—and fans are buzzing with renewed hope.

"For sure this season has been turbulent for us," Milenkovic admitted to the media ahead of Thursday's crucial clash. "But the atmosphere in the club has been excellent, and hard work and commitment is paying off now."

The Serbian international highlighted Pereira's impact: "Vitor and his staff have had a strong impact. He's a passionate coach and has created a good bond and a family atmosphere between everyone, which we can feel at the club."

Forest now have the chance to reach a European final for the first time since 1980, the year they secured the second of their back-to-back European Cup triumphs under the legendary Brian Clough. Milenkovic emphasized that the current squad is deeply aware of the club's storied past.

"You can feel the huge desire to come back to all parts of European glory," he said. "Of course, we feel the power of the tradition of the club, and have a huge desire to take it back to its old days of European glory. We will do everything on the pitch to make the fans proud and achieve glory. We try to think positive and compete against Villa."

With the City Ground set to roar on Thursday, Forest fans will be hoping their team can channel that history and passion into another unforgettable night. And for those looking to show their support, now is the perfect time to gear up in Forest's finest—because moments like these are what football dreams are made of.