Nottingham Forest sack Nuno Espirito Santo with Ange Postecoglou targeted as replacement

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Evening Standard

·8. September 2025

Nottingham Forest sack Nuno Espirito Santo with Ange Postecoglou targeted as replacement

The Portuguese fell out with the club’s leadership after an underwhelming transfer window

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Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after publicly falling out with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

A club statement confirming the decision cited ‘recent circumstances’ as a factor in the decision.

The statement read: “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.”

The Portuguese had been head coach at the City Ground since 2023, when he replaced Steve Cooper, and he led the club to a European berth last season.

But it was revealed in August that his previously friendly relationship with Marinakis had turned frosty.

He said in a press conference: “I have always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very close, almost on a daily basis. This season, not so well.”

It was later reported that Nuno, Marinakis, and Forest executive Edu would hold face-to-face talks in an attempt to salvage their fraying relationship, though these talks are not thought to have taken place.

The manager market is currently ripe with former Premier League coaches, but Ange Postecoglou is thought to be held in high regard by Marinakis.

The Australian remains a free agent after he was fired by Tottenham over the summer despite leading the club to a first major trophy for 17 years, winning the Europa League. His Premier League results were considered irredeemable - the Lilywhites finished 17th in the Premier League last season.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Jose Mourinho is also tipped as a candidate.

Also reportedly admired by Forest are Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Forest have spent the international break exploring their options in the market. They visit Arsenal in their first Premier League outing after the international break.