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Nottingham Forest have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo just three games into the Premier League season, ending his 21-month tenure at the City Ground. The decision follows weeks of internal tension between Nuno and owner Evangelos Marinakis. Despite leading Forest to a seventh-place finish and European qualification last season, the Portuguese coach’s relationship with the club hierarchy collapsed. The story is the latest twist in English football.
Nuno’s Nottingham Forest Journey
Nuno replaced Steve Cooper in December 2023 and immediately steered Forest to Premier League survival. His highlights include:
- 2024/25 season finish: 7th in the Premier League, Forest’s highest since 1995.
- European return: Secured qualification for the Europa League after 30 years away.
- New contract: Signed a three-year extension in June 2025.
Yet by August 2025, the cracks began to show. Nuno admitted his “relationship had changed” with Marinakis, revealing that they were “not as close” as before.
Nuno’s Fallout With Club Leadership
The dismissal stems largely from disagreements over transfer strategy and the role of Edu, Forest’s new global head of football. Nuno criticised the club’s summer business, warning they had “wasted a good chance.”
Key flashpoints:
- Transfers: 13 summer arrivals costing around £196m.
- Departures: Anthony Elanga, Danilo, and Wayne Hennessey among those leaving.
- Tensions: Reports of a pitch-side confrontation with Marinakis after a Leicester draw in May.
These disputes overshadowed Forest’s mixed start to the season, with four points from three games before a 3-0 defeat to West Ham.
Nuno’s Legacy at Forest
While his tenure ended abruptly, Nuno will be remembered for raising Forest’s profile in the Premier League and bringing European football back to the club.
Notable achievements:
- Highest league finish in 30 years.
- Restored City Ground as a tough venue for top-six clubs.
- Guided Forest to stability after years of managerial turnover.
Ange Postecoglou Set to Replace Nuno
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is expected to be named Forest’s new head coach within 24 hours. Postecoglou left Spurs in June after delivering the Europa League title, the club’s first major trophy in 17 years.
His CV includes:
- Celtic: Five domestic trophies in two seasons.
- Spurs: Europa League triumph in 2025, plus a 5th-place PL finish in 2024.
- Australia: Managed the national team from 2013 to 2017.
Forest owner Marinakis recently praised Postecoglou’s achievements, highlighting his Greek heritage and resilience.
Nottingham Forest 2025 Summer Signings
| Player | From | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Omari Hutchinson | Ipswich Town | Club-record |
| James McAtee | Manchester City | Undisclosed |
| Arnaud Kalimuendo | Rennes | Undisclosed |
| Douglas Luiz | Aston Villa | Undisclosed |
| Plus nine others | Various | ~£196m total |
For full details, visit the Nottingham Forest official site.
What’s Next After Nuno?
Forest face Arsenal at the Emirates this weekend, where Postecoglou could take charge of his first match. For Nuno, his reputation remains strong after successes at Wolves and Forest, but his next move is uncertain.
