Nottingham Forest Sacks Head Coach Nuno

23 days ago

Nottingham Forest have sacked their head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, after 21 months in charge, just three games into the 2025/26 Premier League season. The announcement, made on September 9, 2025, marks the end of a tenure that saw the club rise from the threat of relegation to a remarkable seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing European football for the first time since 1996. However, a deteriorating relationship with the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, appears to have been the decisive factor in Nuno’s departure.

Nuno Espirito Santo

Nuno Espirito Santo’s time at Nottingham Forest was transformative. Appointed in December 2023, the Portuguese manager inherited a team embroiled in a relegation battle. With his tactical acumen and ability to foster a siege mentality, Nuno guided Forest to safety in his first partial season. The following campaign was a triumph, as Forest achieved a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, earning a spot in European competition for the first time in nearly three decades.

The 2024/25 season was a memorable one for Forest fans. Under Nuno’s leadership, the team secured notable victories, including a stunning 1-0 win against champions Liverpool at Anfield in August 2024, as well as home and away triumphs over Manchester United and a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at the City Ground. Forest also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they fell 2-0 to Manchester City at Wembley. Over his 73 games in charge, Nuno recorded 28 wins, 20 draws, and 25 losses. That respectable record endeared him to the Forest faithful.

Despite these achievements, the 2025/26 season began on a rocky note. With only three games played, Forest’s early results were underwhelming, prompting speculation about Nuno’s future. The decision to part ways with the 51-year-old manager has left fans and analysts questioning the rationale behind the move, particularly given the club’s recent success.

At the heart of Nuno’s departure lies a fractured relationship with Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis. Nuno himself hinted at the growing divide in recent statements, noting a significant change in his rapport with Marinakis. This tension was publicly evident as early as May of the previous season when Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch following a 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground. The club later attributed the incident to Marinakis’ frustration over striker Taiwo Awoniyi continuing to play after sustaining an injury in the 88th minute, which required urgent surgery. The episode highlighted the growing disconnect between the owner and manager, a rift that appears to have only widened in the months since.

The appointment of Edu as Forest’s global head of football earlier in the summer further complicated matters. Edu, formerly Arsenal’s sporting director, was given firm control over the club’s recruitment strategy, overseeing a busy transfer window that saw Forest spend approximately £196 million on 13 new signings. Notable departures included key players such as Anthony Elanga, Danilo, and Wayne Hennessey. While the influx of new talent bolstered the squad, it also raised questions about the alignment between Nuno’s vision and the club’s recruitment strategy under Edu’s leadership.

Despite his departure, Nuno leaves Nottingham Forest as a beloved figure among the club’s supporters. His ability to unite the team and create a resilient, combative spirit was instrumental in Forest’s resurgence. The “siege mentality” he fostered resonated deeply with fans, who appreciated his passion and commitment to the club’s storied legacy. His achievements, including guiding Forest back to European competition, will be remembered as a high point in the club’s recent history.

The sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo raises immediate questions about the direction of Nottingham Forest. With the Premier League season still in its infancy, the club faces the challenge of appointing a new manager who can build on Nuno’s achievements while navigating the complexities of Marinakis’ ownership and Edu’s influence over recruitment. The new appointee will inherit a talented squad but also the pressure to deliver results in a highly competitive league.

Speculation about potential replacements is already rife, with names such as former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, who has been linked with a return to management, being mentioned in football circles. Meanwhile, Forest’s immediate focus will be on stabilizing the team and maintaining their position in the Premier League, with European competition looming on the horizon.