Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo just three matches into the new campaign, ending his tenure after 21 months in charge.
Doubts over his position had been growing for two weeks, following his admission that communication with club owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated.
Talks regarding his successor are already taking place, with a swift decision expected. Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
In a midnight announcement, the club expressed gratitude for Nuno’s work during what they described as “a very successful era” at the City Ground, adding he would always be remembered as part of their progress.
The Portuguese coach, 51, had replaced Steve Cooper in December 2023 and ensured survival in the top flight. He later guided Forest to seventh place in the Premier League, their best finish since 1994-95, and secured European football for the first time in three decades.
He had signed a new three-year deal in June but left with Forest sitting 10th after a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham before the September break.
Strained relationship and transfer disputes
Despite the team’s rise, Nuno’s connection with Marinakis weakened. In August, he admitted he feared losing his role and suggested unity within the club was lacking.
Much of the disagreement appeared to center around transfer business. Nuno criticized the club’s activity in the summer market, suggesting opportunities were wasted. Edu, appointed as global head of football earlier in the year, had taken a strong role in recruitment decisions.
Forest spent around £196m on 13 new arrivals, while players including Anthony Elanga, Danilo, and Wayne Hennessey departed.
The tension between coach and owner was visible before, notably in May when Marinakis was seen approaching Nuno after a 2-2 draw against Leicester. The club later explained it as frustration over Taiwo Awoniyi’s late injury, denying any confrontation.
Forest had picked up just eight points in their final eight league games of that season, missing out on Champions League qualification but eventually entering the Europa League after Palace were ruled out over multi-club ownership breaches.
From survival fight to European nights
Nuno took charge with Forest in 17th position and facing relegation danger. Even with a four-point deduction for financial breaches, he kept them safe, finishing six points clear of the bottom three.
His early results included a 3-1 victory away at Newcastle and a 2-1 success over Manchester United.
The following season, Forest rose to seventh, with notable wins over Liverpool at Anfield, home and away triumphs against Manchester United, and a home win over Manchester City. They also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, losing to City at Wembley.
Across his 73 matches, Nuno achieved 28 wins, 20 draws, and 25 defeats.
Analysis: a popular figure despite tensions
In under two years, Nuno transformed Forest from relegation candidates into European competitors. He remained a favorite among supporters but clashed with the club hierarchy.
His outspoken criticism of recruitment delays during the summer was unexpected given his usually cautious style, and it signaled the breakdown in his relationship with Marinakis and Edu.
Although Forest spent heavily, the lack of integration of new signings and the heavy defeat to West Ham marked a turning point.
Nuno suggested before the break that he believed he would stay in charge for the trip to Arsenal, but the club has moved in another direction.
A replacement is expected soon, with Ange Postecoglou again linked to the post.
