Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked by Nottingham Forest just three games into the new Premier League season after a dramatic breakdown in his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Nuno guided Forest back into Europe for the first time in 30 years last season, having taken the club from the brink of relegation to a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.
But Nuno expressed “concern” ahead of the new campaign and frustration at the club’s transfer activity over the summer, and admitted that his relationship with owner Marinakis had collapsed in an explosive press conference on 22 August.
Nuno, who signed a new three-year contract in June, revealed his relationship with Marinakis had changed and they were “not as close”, especially since the arrival of Edu Gaspar, the former director of Arsenal.
He also said “when there’s smoke, there’s fire” regarding reports of his exit, which has now been confirmed by the club.
Nuno remained in charge for the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace and the 3-0 home defeat to West Ham before the international break, with Nuno departing ahead of Forest’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday.
Forest said in a statement: “Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach.
“The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the club.
“As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”
Nuno previously stated that he had no regrets over speaking out against his bosses.
“I said it, and I don’t regret it,” Nuno said. “For me, it’s important that everyone at the club shares the same vision and same commitment. I have to speak to the owner.”
Marinakis is said to already be lining up replacements, with Ange Postecoglou and Jose Mourinho both heavily linked with the role.
Postecoglou was sacked as from his Tottenham post just 16 days after guiding the club to the Europa League last term – a triumph that didn’t absolve the Aussie of the dire domestic campaign Spurs had endured – while ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager Mourinho parted company with Fenerbahce at the end of August.
