Key Points

Nuno Espirito Santo has openly discussed the deteriorating relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. The Portuguese coach revealed their once-close daily communication has significantly declined this season. This comes amidst reports that Marinakis is considering replacements following transfer strategy disagreements. Despite the tension, Forest opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Brentford.

Key Points: Nuno Admits Rift with Forest Owner Marinakis Over Transfer Strategy

  • Nuno admits daily communication with Marinakis has stopped this season
  • Disagreements over summer transfer strategy caused the rift
  • Former Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou considered as replacement
  • Forest qualified for Europa League under Nuno last season
2 min read

'Our relationship was built on trust, but it has changed': Nuno admits rift with Forest owner Marinakis

Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo reveals relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis has soured this season amidst transfer disagreements and sack rumors.

"Our relationship has changed, and we are not as close - Nuno Espirito Santo"

New Delhi, Aug 22

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo admitted his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis has gone sour this season, amidst rumours of a potential sacking for the Portuguese head coach.

Reports emerged on Friday suggesting Marinakis is looking for a replacement for Nuno, with former Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou being considered a potential candidate, following disagreements over Nottingham's transfer strategy this summer window.

"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," said Nuno in the pre-game conference.

Nottingham have played only one game this Premier League season, A 3-1 win over Brentford, and a change in managers could lead to a potential disruption in their season. The club qualified for the UEFA Europa League this season, after finishing seventh in Nuno's first full season as head coach, for the first time in 30 seasons.

Nuno claimed he too did not know the exact reason behind this sudden change, claiming their relationship was based on trust, but no longer. "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," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian football fan, I've seen this happen too often. Owners need to trust their managers, especially after such a successful season. Changing managers now would disrupt everything! #BackNuno
A
Arjun K
Respect to Nuno for speaking honestly. In Indian sports culture, we often avoid direct confrontation, but sometimes truth needs to be said. Hope they resolve this amicably 🙏
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Michael C
From Delhi to Nottingham - football management dramas are the same everywhere! Owners should remember that stability brings success. Nuno deserves more time after that historic achievement.
S
Sarah B
While I understand owners have the final say, sacking a manager after one game of the season (which they won!) seems extremely harsh. This feels like an ego clash rather than football reasons.
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Vikram M
This is why Indian football fans appreciate managers like Stimac who get time to build. Forest should learn from our experience - constant changes never help team chemistry. Nuno built something special there!

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