Marinakis and Nuno set for talks after Forest’s heavy defeat

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was greeted warmly by supporters at the City Ground on Sunday, even as tensions linger with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. The Greek businessman, who briefly appeared pitchside before the 3-0 home defeat to West Ham, acknowledged fans with a thumbs up before taking his seat in the stands, Sport360NG reports.

Despite speculation about a rift, there was no sign of division among the home crowd. Marinakis remains a highly respected figure for bankrolling Forest’s return to European competition, while Nuno is credited with masterminding their resurgence under his watch.

The two are expected to meet during the international break to clarify the club’s direction after Nuno publicly criticised Forest’s slow transfer dealings and admitted his relationship with the ownership had shifted over the summer.

“This is not the right day to go into detail,” Nuno said after Sunday’s loss. “We have issues to address, but right now my concern is the team. The performance was shocking, and that has to be the focus. The talks are separate.”

Frustrations over transfers

Nuno’s candid remarks in recent weeks have surprised many, though he insists he does not regret making his frustrations public. He believes delays in recruitment undermined pre-season preparations, leaving the squad undercooked for a demanding campaign.

Forest have still spent close to £150m this summer, breaking their transfer record for Omari Hutchinson, securing James McAtee from Manchester City, and bringing in Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus. Further reinforcements are expected before the transfer window closes, including Botafogo left-back Cuiabano and goalkeeper John Victor.

Nuno, however, had hoped to have the squad finalised far earlier. With a European campaign looming and domestic competitions to juggle, he has accepted a larger group is necessary despite his preference for working with lean squads. Outgoings are also planned before Monday’s deadline, with the head coach determined not to carry players who will see little action.

European return amid uncertainty

Marinakis, who returned to the UK on Friday after attending the Europa League draw, watched from his usual seat as Forest suffered their first major setback of the season. The club will face Real Betis on 25 September in what will be their first European match in three decades, an achievement delivered under Nuno’s leadership after a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last term.

Both Marinakis and Nuno have overseen Forest’s revival since the Portuguese took charge in December 2023, and insiders say both sides want a positive resolution. Marinakis has publicly downplayed suggestions of a rift, telling TNT in Monaco last week:

“Everything is solid. Of course emotions run high sometimes, but what matters is the real relationship between myself, Nuno, the players and the staff. We are united and will make the right adjustments.”

Fans back the manager

While the City Ground was emptying by the final whistle against West Ham, Nuno’s standing with supporters remains strong. Many recognise that Forest’s summer signings, including Hutchinson, McAtee and Arnaud Kalimuendo, have yet to make an impact and will need time to adapt to the manager’s style.

The defeat only reinforced Nuno’s point that the club should have completed business earlier to allow for smoother integration. Whether his warning proves costly will become clearer as the season unfolds.

For now, the focus shifts to Monday’s transfer deadline and crucial talks between Marinakis and Nuno that could define Forest’s campaign.