Nottingham Forest have officially parted company with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo after just 21 months in charge. The announcement came shortly after midnight with the club thanking the Portuguese manager “for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground” and adding that he will “always hold a special place” in their journey.
Forest are now actively searching for a successor, with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou reportedly among the leading contenders for the job. An appointment is expected soon.
From Relegation Battle to European Qualification
Nuno took over at Forest in December 2023 following the dismissal of Steve Cooper. The club were then languishing in 17th place, having lost five of their previous six games. Despite a four-point deduction for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules, he successfully kept the club in the top flight, finishing six points clear of relegation.
Last season saw a dramatic turnaround. Forest finished seventh in the Premier League — their highest placing since 1994–95 — and qualified for Europe for the first time in three decades. Memorable results included:
- A 1–0 win at Anfield over champions Liverpool.
- Home and away victories against Manchester United.
- A 1–0 win over Manchester City at the City Ground.
Forest also reached the FA Cup semi-finals before losing to Manchester City at Wembley.
Tensions With Owner Evangelos Marinakis
Despite success on the pitch, Nuno’s relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis became increasingly strained. In August, he publicly admitted the relationship had deteriorated, saying:
“I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well. Everybody at the club should be together but this is not the reality.”
Sources indicated disagreements over the club’s transfer strategy were at the heart of the tensions. Forest spent nearly £196m on 13 signings this summer, but Nuno was frustrated by how slowly new arrivals were integrated. Edu, the club’s global head of football, had assumed firm control over recruitment, which is believed to have added to the friction.
The club’s poor 3–0 home defeat to West Ham before September’s international break intensified speculation about his future.
Mixed Final Months in Charge
Forest, who started the new season in 10th place, had shown signs of inconsistency. Last spring they picked up only eight points from their final eight games, missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day. They instead qualified for the Europa League after Crystal Palace were deemed to breach multi-club ownership rules.
Nuno’s public criticism of transfer delays and comments about his uncertain future were uncharacteristic for the usually guarded coach. The situation culminated in late-night discussions with Marinakis, ultimately leading to his departure.
In total, Nuno managed 73 games for Forest, winning 28, drawing 20 and losing 25.
Fans React – “He Leaves Beloved”
Forest supporters have praised Nuno for taking the club from the brink of relegation to European football in under two years. His intense, siege-mentality approach helped unify the team and delivered some of the club’s most memorable results in recent decades.
However, the breakdown in relations with Marinakis, coupled with high-spending but slow-bedding transfer windows, left his position untenable.
Replacement Search Underway
A new head coach could be named within days. Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, who transformed Celtic before moving to Tottenham, has been linked repeatedly with the role. Forest’s hierarchy are believed to want a swift appointment to stabilise the club before the Premier League resumes after the international break.
Key Facts – Nuno Espírito Santo at Nottingham Forest
- Appointed: December 2023
- Premier League finishes: 17th (2023-24), 7th (2024-25)
- European qualification: Yes – Europa League 2025-26
- Total games managed: 73 (28W, 20D, 25L)
- Honours: FA Cup semi-final 2024-25
FAQs
Why was Nuno Espírito Santo sacked by Nottingham Forest?
He was dismissed due to a breakdown in relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis and disagreements over transfer policy, despite strong on-field results.
Who will replace Nuno at Nottingham Forest?
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is one of the leading contenders, although the club has not confirmed an appointment yet.
What was Nuno’s biggest achievement at Forest?
Guiding the team from a relegation battle to European qualification for the first time in 30 years, including a seventh-place Premier League finish.
How much did Forest spend under Nuno?
Approximately £196 million on 13 signings during the summer window.