Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo following a breakdown in relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis, making the Portuguese the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season.
The decision was confirmed just after midnight on Tuesday, with the club releasing a statement that acknowledged Nuno’s impact during his tenure. Forest credited him with stabilising the side and leading them through one of their most successful recent campaigns, while noting that his contribution would remain part of the club’s modern history.
Appointed in December 2023 after Steve Cooper’s dismissal, Nuno quickly steered Forest clear of relegation. His second season saw a significant leap forward, with the team finishing seventh in the Premier League — their highest position since the mid-1990s. That achievement also brought Europa League qualification, marking Forest’s first involvement in European competition in three decades and restoring the club’s profile on the continental stage.
Despite those successes, tensions with Marinakis became increasingly visible. Reports of discord first surfaced in May, when the owner was seen confronting Nuno after a 2-2 draw with Leicester. While the club denied a confrontation had taken place, speculation about a rift persisted.
Nuno’s dissatisfaction with Forest’s summer transfer business further strained relations. Although 13 signings were made under new sporting director Edu Gaspar, the departures of key players such as Anthony Elanga and Danilo left the manager concerned that the squad had become “unbalanced.” His public criticism of recruitment strategy reportedly did not sit well with Marinakis.
Reflecting on his relationship with the owner last month, Nuno admitted the dynamic had shifted compared with the previous season. He explained that while communication had once been close and productive, it had become increasingly distant, undermining the sense of unity required at the club.
Although Nuno later suggested he would meet Marinakis during the international break to resolve differences, that meeting never took place. Instead, the owner chose to act decisively and end his tenure.
Forest currently sit 10th in the Premier League with four points from three matches but were convincingly beaten 3-0 by struggling West Ham in Nuno’s final game. British media report that the club has already begun its search for a successor, with Ange Postecoglou, Oliver Glasner, and Andoni Iraola all linked.
In the meantime, Edu Gaspar and chief football officer Ross Wilson will oversee the recruitment process. Their immediate priority is to stabilise the squad ahead of a difficult fixture list, beginning with a trip to high-flying Arsenal this weekend.
