Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after just under two years in charge. His departure comes despite delivering the club’s best league finish in three decades, as tensions with owner Evangelos Marinakis ultimately proved irreparable.
The 51-year-old took over in December 2023, when Forest were languishing near the relegation zone. Against the odds, he preserved their Premier League status despite a four-point deduction for financial breaches. In his first full campaign, he inspired a remarkable turnaround, guiding Forest to seventh place, securing European qualification for the first time since 1996.
Memorable victories included a win at Anfield against Liverpool, home and away triumphs over Manchester United, and a gritty success against Manchester City. Forest also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, their best run in years. These achievements earned Nuno a new three-year deal in June 2025.
However, behind the scenes, relations with Marinakis deteriorated. Nuno openly admitted the once-close connection with the owner had broken down, citing frustrations over transfer business. Despite Forest spending nearly £200m this summer, the manager was dissatisfied with how slowly new players were integrated. The appointment of Edu as global head of football further shifted power away from Nuno, adding to the friction.
Tensions boiled over on several occasions, including an incident in May when Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch following a draw against Leicester. Though the club downplayed the situation, it symbolized the growing divide.
The breaking point came after a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham just before the international break, Forest’s poorest display under Nuno. Although he insisted he expected to lead the team against Arsenal, the club acted swiftly, thanking him for his service and announcing his dismissal.
Forest fans will remember Nuno fondly for stabilizing the club, instilling belief, and restoring European nights to the City Ground. Yet, the clash of strong personalities proved decisive. Talks over his replacement are already underway, with former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou among the leading contenders.
Nuno leaves with a record of 28 wins, 20 draws, and 25 defeats in 73 games, cementing his place in Forest’s modern history despite the abrupt ending.
