What led to breakdown between Nuno & Marinakis?

Nottingham Forest have dismissed manager Nuno Espirito Santo only three games into the new Premier League season, ending his 21-month spell in charge. The Portuguese coach had guided the club to seventh place last season, which secured European football for the first time in 30 years. For much of the campaign Forest had looked like genuine top-four contenders, spending long stretches in the top three, but a poor run towards the end saw them slip down the table. A final-day defeat at home to Chelsea sealed their drop out of Champions League qualification.

See also: Athletic’s Yeray Álvarez Handed 10-Month UEFA Ban for Accidental Doping

Even so, Forest’s seventh-place finish brought excitement, with qualification for the Conference League. That was later upgraded to the Europa League after Crystal Palace were penalised for breaching multi-club ownership rules. Despite this achievement, Forest opted for change after tensions between Nuno and club owner Evangelos Marinakis became impossible to ignore.

Their relationship had appeared strained since last May, when Marinakis entered the pitch following a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. The club denied suggestions of confrontation, calling such reports “fake news,” but the moment was a turning point. Nuno admitted last month that his connection with Marinakis had “changed,” saying the sense of unity he wanted was “not the reality.”

See also: Repeat Offender Luis Suarez Handed Lengthy Ban After Spitting Shame

The dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo was the culmination of disagreements over recruitment and control within Nottingham Forest. The manager expressed frustration with the way the summer transfer window unfolded, claiming the club had wasted a chance to strengthen properly. Forest made 13 signings for around £196 million, yet Nuno complained the deals were completed too late, leaving him little time to prepare the squad. At the same time, important players such as Anthony Elanga, Danilo and Wayne Hennessey left the City Ground, adding to his concerns.

A key factor in the breakdown was the arrival of Edu, Arsenal’s former sporting director, who was appointed Forest’s global head of football. His role placed control of recruitment firmly under the club’s hierarchy, reducing Nuno’s influence on player signings. The manager noted that last season he had spoken with Marinakis daily and enjoyed a strong relationship, but admitted that bond had weakened. He suggested that leadership at the club was no longer working together in the way he believed was necessary for success.

Forest have thanked Nuno for his contribution, stating that he would “always hold a special place” in their journey. Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has already been linked as a possible replacement, with the club keen to make a swift appointment.

See also: Messi Says ‘Only God Knows’ About 2026 World Cup Future After Emotional Argentina Farewell