Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after 21 months in charge, citing strained relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis despite his on-field success.
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Nottingham Forest have dismissed head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after 21 months in charge, the club confirmed in a late-night statement.
The 51-year-old Portuguese coach had been under pressure for weeks following his admission that relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated. “For his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, Nuno will always hold a special place in our journey,” Forest said.
Talks are ongoing regarding his replacement, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou among the contenders. An appointment is expected imminently.
Nuno joined Forest in December 2023 after the dismissal of Steve Cooper and helped the club retain their Premier League status. He led Forest to seventh place last season – their best league finish since 1994-95 – securing European football for the first time in 30 years. His achievements earned him a three-year contract extension in June.
Forest currently sit 10th in the Premier League after a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham before the September international break.
Despite success on the pitch, tensions behind the scenes proved decisive. Nuno openly criticised the club’s summer transfer activity, claiming they had “wasted a good chance.” In August, he admitted he feared for his job, as disagreements over recruitment deepened.