Nuno Espirito Santo Leaves Nottingham Forest After Turbulent Few Weeks

Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo immediately due to growing tensions at the club. This decision ends Nuno’s time at Forest, lasting less than two years since he joined.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Nuno Espirito Santo has been fired after a public falling-out with club owner Evangelos Marinakis. Last month, Nuno admitted that his relationship with Marinakis was “not so good” compared to last season. These comments reportedly made club bosses question his commitment. There were also internal disagreements between Nuno and the club’s new global head of football, Edu Gaspar, particularly over recruitment and long-term strategy. Despite recently signing a new contract after leading Forest to their first European qualification since the 1990s, the club ended Nuno’s contract after only three matches into the current Premier League season.

SEASON PERFORMANCE AND CONTEXT

Last season, under Nuno’s guidance, Forest experienced a remarkable turnaround, finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League after narrowly avoiding relegation the year before. This season, the team has collected four points from their first three Premier League matches, sitting mid-table. However, they now face an important challenge against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their next fixture. Arsenal have six points and are third in the league, while Forest are two points behind the Gunners and preparing for their Europa League campaign. Nottingham Forest are looking to improve their performance after finishing seventh last season, as they are trying to strengthen their squad.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FOREST?

Forest are already considering three candidates to replace Nuno, with Ange Postecoglou emerging as a leading contender. The club must quickly stabilize to avoid further decline, especially with a challenging schedule ahead. Their upcoming match against Arsenal will provide an immediate test for the new manager, as Forest look to build momentum in the early stages of both their Premier League and Europa League campaigns. Club leadership hopes that a swift appointment will bring clarity and ease the turbulence that has defined the early weeks of the new season.