The first major managerial change of the 2025–26 Premier League season has arrived, as Nottingham Forest sack Nuno Espirito Santo just three matches into the campaign. The Portuguese coach, who had guided the club to their first European qualification in three decades last season, departs after a public and deteriorating fallout with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Forest announced the decision in the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, with a statement thanking Nuno for his contribution. The club described the 2024–25 season, where Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, as a “memorable era” that will always be cherished in the history of the City Ground.
Despite an improved contract signed in June, Nuno’s job security quickly came under scrutiny when tensions grew behind the scenes. He openly criticized Forest’s transfer policy and admitted his relationship with Marinakis had become strained, especially after the arrival of Edu Gaspar as the club’s new global head of football.
- Full Name: Nuno Herlander Simões Espírito Santo
- Age: 51
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Position: Head Coach (Former Nottingham Forest Manager)
- Managed Forest: December 2023 – September 2025
- Matches in Charge: 73 (32 wins, 26 losses, 15 draws)
- Achievement: Guided Nottingham Forest to 7th in the Premier League & secured Europa League qualification
- Reason for Exit: Breakdown in relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis and global head of football Edu Gaspar
- Successor: Yet to be confirmed (candidates include Ange Postecoglou, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola)
A Successful But Short-Lived Era
When Nottingham Forest appointed Nuno Espirito Santo in December 2023, the club was struggling in the league. Within 18 months, he transformed them into a competitive side, culminating in a seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa League. It was Forest’s best season since the mid-1990s and restored hope among supporters.
Nuno’s tactical approach brought stability and attacking flair to a team often battling relegation. His ability to get the best out of players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi was praised across the Premier League. For many, sacking him after only three games of the new season appears harsh, especially given his achievements last term.
However, behind the scenes, problems were mounting. Nuno was frustrated with the summer transfer activity, claiming the squad was “unbalanced” and “very far from being ready.” His public criticism of the hierarchy, combined with clashes with Edu Gaspar, only deepened the divide. Marinakis was particularly angered by his manager’s decision to air internal disputes in press conferences.
Why Nottingham Forest Sack Nuno Espirito Santo
The dismissal ultimately came down to trust and unity. Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis believed the relationship with Nuno was beyond repair. Despite taking four points from their first three matches, including a solid performance against Leicester City, the board felt a managerial change was necessary to move forward.
Nuno himself admitted in August that his bond with Marinakis was “not the same” as before. He confessed to fearing for his job security and made it clear he did not regret speaking out. Those comments effectively sealed his fate, with the owner and his advisors opting for a swift decision.
The arrival of Edu Gaspar also played a significant role. Nuno refused to engage with the new head of football, further alienating himself from the structure being implemented at the club. As a result, Nottingham Forest sacking Nuno Espirito Santo became a matter of “when” rather than “if.”
With Nottingham Forest sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, attention now turns to his successor. Several names have already been linked to the City Ground role. According to reports, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is a candidate, while Marco Silva of Fulham, Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are also admired by the hierarchy.
The club wants a swift appointment to stabilize the squad before the season gathers momentum. Forest face a challenging run of fixtures, starting with a trip to Arsenal. With European football on the horizon, the new manager will need to quickly find balance and harmony both on and off the pitch.
Legacy at the City Ground
While his tenure ended abruptly, Nuno Espirito Santo’s time at Nottingham Forest will be remembered for bringing back European nights to the club. His 73 games in charge included 32 victories, and his 2024–25 campaign is widely considered one of the most successful in Forest’s modern history.
Supporters will likely remain divided. Some will argue that his departure was inevitable due to internal conflict, while others will feel it was a premature decision considering his achievements. Regardless, Nuno leaves a lasting mark as the coach who guided Nottingham Forest back to continental competition after 30 long years.
The story of Nottingham Forest sacking Nuno Espirito Santo highlights the fragile nature of modern football management. Even after historic achievements, off-field disputes can quickly overshadow on-field success. For Forest, the decision marks the end of a short but significant era, and the start of a new chapter under fresh leadership.
As fans wait to see who takes over at the City Ground, one thing remains clear: Nuno’s contribution to Nottingham Forest’s resurgence will not be forgotten, even if his tenure ended in controversy.