Premier League side Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Afrosport reports.
Tensions have been simmering between the Portuguese manager and club owner Evangelos Marinakis in recent weeks, with Nuno publicly admitting that their once-strong relationship had deteriorated.
“I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis,” Nuno told reporters ahead of Forest’s second Premier League fixture of the season.
“This season it is not so well [between us] but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close.”
The 51-year-old signed a contract extension in June, which was set to keep him at the City Ground until 2028. However, reports suggest a disagreement with the club’s global head of football, Edu Gaspar, over a potential move for Adama Traore left Nuno increasingly disillusioned.
Despite attempts to mend the rift during the recent international break, including peace talks between Nuno and Marinakis, the damage appears to have been irreparable, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
In an official statement, the club said: “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 took charge of Forest in December 2023, succeeding Steve Cooper. Under his leadership, the Tricky Trees staged a dramatic turnaround, narrowly avoiding relegation after finishing 17th in the 2023-24 campaign.
He then guided the club to an impressive seventh-place finish last season — their highest in the Premier League since 1994-95 — securing a return to European competition for the first time in 30 years with Europa League qualification.
Forest currently sit 10th in the Premier League after a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham United on 31 August. They face Arsenal away on Saturday, followed by a League Cup trip to Swansea.
