Nuno Espírito Santo’s future as Nottingham Forest manager is currently uncertain amidst increasing tension between the manager and the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis. This situation has developed despite Nuno’s prior success in revitalizing the club’s fortunes, raising questions about the stability and direction of Nottingham Forest at a crucial point in their Premier League journey.
Background and Achievements
Nuno was appointed as Nottingham Forest’s manager in December 2023, arriving at a time when the club faced relegation threats. His immediate impact was noticeable as he steered the team away from the relegation zone by the end of the 2023-24 season. Under his guidance, Forest markedly improved in the 2024-25 season, finishing seventh in the Premier League—an outstanding achievement that also secured the club a coveted spot in the Europa League for the first time in nearly 30 years. This success earned Nuno a contract extension until 2028, signaling the club’s confidence in his leadership.
| Season | League Position | Points | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 17 | 40 | Nuno Espirito Santo |
| 2024-25 | 7 | 65 | Nuno Espirito Santo |
The table above outlines Nottingham Forest’s league performance under Nuno’s management, showcasing a significant leap from survival to European qualification within a single season.
Current Crisis: Relationship Breakdown
Despite these sporting successes, Nuno publicly acknowledged that his relationship with club owner Marinakis is “not good” and “has changed,” a stark contrast to the harmony that seemed to exist earlier. This revelation has perplexed both fans and insiders alike, considering the substantial financial backing the club has provided, including over £100 million in transfer expenditure during the summer of 2025 to strengthen the squad ahead of their European commitments.
A key factor believed to underlie this discord is Nuno’s troubled relationship with Edu Gaspar, the Global Head of Football appointed by Marinakis. Edu’s role in overseeing football operations seems to clash with Nuno’s managerial autonomy, leading to strategic disagreements and friction within the club’s hierarchy. Despite having the resources to build a competitive squad, Nuno appears frustrated by the increased oversight and intervention in the footballing side of operations.
Financial Investment Breakdown
The club’s investment in the squad is broadly distributed as follows:
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Defense: 40%
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Midfield: 30%
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Attack: 20%
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Others: 10%
This allocation reflects a focused effort on bolstering the defensive unit and midfield, key areas to support a strong Premier League and European campaign.
Timeline of Key Events
The manager’s troubled tenure can be summarized in the following timeline of events:
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Dec 2023: Nuno appointed Nottingham Forest manager.
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May 2024: Led Forest to Premier League survival.
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May 2025: Achieved 7th place finish and secured Europa League spot.
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Jun 2025: Signed new contract extension till 2028.
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Aug 2025: Admitted relationship with owner deteriorated.
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Aug 2025: Tensions with Global Head of Football Edu Gaspar emerged.
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Aug 2025: Future as manager uncertain.
Impact and Outlook
This breakdown in the manager-owner relationship is particularly precarious given Nottingham Forest’s ambitions to consolidate their Premier League position and establish themselves in European competitions. The uncertainty surrounding Nuno’s role could disrupt team cohesion and confidence just as the competitive season intensifies.
The public airing of grievances so close to key fixtures suggests a fracturing environment at the club, where strategic disagreements pose a risk to the positive momentum built over the past two seasons. How Marinakis and Nuno resolve these issues will significantly shape Nottingham Forest’s trajectory in the upcoming months.