Nuno Espírito Santo sacked by Nottingham Forest after 21 months in charge

Nottingham Forest have parted company with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo less than two years into his tenure and just three matches into the new campaign, Sport360NG reports.

The Portuguese coach’s position had been under scrutiny for several weeks following his admission that relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis had “changed” and were no longer as close as last season.

Forest confirmed his departure in a late-night statement, thanking the 51-year-old for guiding the club through “a very successful era at the City Ground” and insisting he would “always have a special place” in their recent journey. Talks over his successor are already advanced, with former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou among the names being considered.

From survival to European football

Nuno arrived at Forest in December 2023 after Steve Cooper’s dismissal, with the club teetering just above the relegation zone. Despite a four-point deduction for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules, he ensured safety, finishing six points clear of the drop.

The following season proved remarkable as Forest climbed to seventh in the league, their highest finish since 1995, securing European qualification for the first time in three decades. His side produced memorable results, including a victory at Anfield against Liverpool, home-and-away wins over Manchester United, and a run to the FA Cup semi-finals.

That success earned him a new three-year contract in June, but his tenure quickly unravelled.

Rift with Marinakis

Behind the scenes, disagreements over recruitment strained Nuno’s relationship with the club hierarchy. Forest brought in 13 players this summer for close to £200m, but Nuno felt opportunities in the transfer market had been squandered. Edu’s arrival as global head of football further centralised control of signings, reportedly reducing the manager’s influence.

Publicly, Nuno admitted in August that he feared for his job. His comments about the owner and recruitment strategy marked a shift in tone from a coach usually known for discretion.

The tension was not new. Marinakis had been seen remonstrating on the pitch after a 2-2 draw with Leicester last season, though the club later dismissed suggestions of a confrontation. Forest’s form in that period, just eight points from their last eight matches, cost them a shot at Champions League football.

The breaking point

A 3-0 defeat at home to West Ham before the international break, viewed as one of the poorest displays of his reign, accelerated discussions over his future. Nuno insisted afterwards he expected to lead Forest into their next match against Arsenal, but the club has now opted for a change.

In 73 games as Forest manager, Nuno recorded 28 wins, 20 draws and 25 defeats. His departure ends a turbulent but transformative chapter in which he lifted the club from relegation fears to the European stage.

Forest, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, are expected to move quickly to appoint a successor, with Postecoglou among the frontrunners.