Nuno Espirito Santo Sacked by Nottingham Forest After Tense Fallout

Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo following a breakdown in relations with the club hierarchy. Reportedly, the breakdown even involved club owner Evangelos Marinakis. The decision was finalized after crisis talks earlier this week.

Thus, marking the end of a turbulent period for the 51-year-old Portuguese manager. Nuno joined Forest in December 2023 after Steve Cooper’s departure. He had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks. The tension became public when he admitted that his relationship with Marinakis had deteriorated.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Nuno Espirito Santo and Nottingham Forest part ways with immediate effect.

Decision made after tension between the parties in the recent weeks, it’s over for Nuno at #NFFC, as @Record_Portugal reports.

3 candidates including Ange Postecoglou under consideration. pic.twitter.com/9cu0Y1cV4n
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2025

In the midst of rumours about his future, Nuno said, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” He also criticized the club’s transfer policy, describing his squad as “unbalanced” and “very, very far” from being ready for the new season.

In August, the coach revealed his relationship with Marinakis was “not the same” as before and confirmed that he had not spoken to Edu Gaspar, Forest’s global head of football and Marinakis’ close associate. Nuno commented about his public criticism, saying, “I said it, and I don’t regret it.”

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He added that alignment on vision and commitment was essential. According to Sky Sports, Marinakis was “deeply hurt” by Nuno’s comments and, after a week of consideration, decided that replacing him was necessary to move the club forward.

From Success to Sudden Exit for Nuno Espirito Santo

Nuno’s departure comes just months after he guided Forest to their best finish in decades. Last season, he led the club to seventh in the Premier League. That in turn secured the club a return to European football for the first time in 30 years. He was rewarded with a new contract in the summer.

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However, they started the current campaign poorly. They took only four points from the opening three games. The 3-0 home defeat to West Ham on August 31 proved to be his last match in charge. Forest are currently sitting in 10th position in the Premier League table. The club is now keen on making a swift appointment to stabilize the season.

While Ange Postecoglou has been linked as Marinakis’ preferred candidate, other names such as Oliver Glasner, Mauricio Pochettino, Marco Silva, and Andoni Iraola have also come up. Forest will resume their Premier League duties on Saturday against Arsenal.

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Nuno Espirito Santo

Moumita Dutta

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Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.