Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito has revealed that his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis is not as close as it used to be and has changed in the ongoing season, Afrosport reports.
The strain in the relationship between the Sao Tome and Principe-born Portuguese tactician and the Greek billionaire stems from Forest’s transfer activity this summer, which has seen the likes of established players Anthony Elanga, Danilo, and Matt Turner leave, while eight players have come in, the latest being Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus.
This has left Espirito Santo frustrated as some of his other key players, like Nicolas Dominguez, is currently on the treatment table, while strikers Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi need to be managed fitness-wise due to Forest’s campaign in the UEFA Europa League.
“I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis.
“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.”
When pressed on why his relationship with Marinakis has changed, Espirito Santo added: “I don’t know exactly, but I’m being honest with you, it is not the same. The reason behind it, I do not know. What I said last week or two weeks ago was my concern and why I was worried about where we were going [as a club].
“What I said, I said it with respect. The reality is that the relationship is not what it used to be. It was a respectful relationship based on trust and sharing opinions, but now it is not so good.”
When quizzed on whether the relationship with Marinakis can continue, Espirito Santo stated: “I hope so, but I don’t know, that I cannot answer. On my side, I am doing whatever I can to help Forest, my commitment is something [that I see] and I feel it.”
On the road for the first time in 2025/26. 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/uydbdrw2fV
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 21, 2025
Marinakis made headlines last season when he stormed onto the pitch to confront Espirito Santo over his decision to bring on Nigerian striker Awoniyi in a 2-2 draw with Leicester City, which dealt a blow to the hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
According to reports, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou could be appointed as the next Forest manager if Espirito Santo is shown the exit door at the City Ground.
