Nottingham Forest sack Nuno Espirito Santo after rift with owner Evangelos Marinakis | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo only three games into the new season.

The Tricky Trees confirmed his dismissal just months after he signed a new deal with the club.

The Portuguese tactician’s position has been under scrutiny for several weeks, with tensions between him and owner Evangelos Marinakis becoming increasingly apparent.

Tensions were already high towards the end of last season as Marinakis stormed the pitch to confront Nuno after Forest drew Leicester City.

This stalemate derailed their bid for Champions League qualification.

In a press conference on August 22, Nuno admitted his relationship with Marinakis had cooled significantly.

However, Marinakis publicly backed his coach a week later, insisting Nuno remained the right man for the job.

The public support could not hide the cracks behind the scenes.

Nuno’s relationship with Edu Gaspar, Forest’s new global head of football, had become strained just weeks after the former Arsenal transfer chief arrived in July.

Nuno was appointed in December 2023 and oversaw a dramatic turnaround, steering Forest away from the drop before delivering an outstanding seventh-place finish last season.

His side collected 65 points, more than double their tally from the previous campaign, and secured Europa League qualification.

Forest are set for their first European appearance since 1996.

But this summer’s preparations left the 50-year-old frustrated, and results have dipped once more.

Forest have collected only four points from their opening three games and were beaten 3-0 by hapless West Ham United last weekend.

Attention will now turn to Nuno’s successor, with two high-profile names in the frame.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has already held informal talks with Marinakis, with the pair enjoying a strong personal connection.

Postecoglou won the Europa League with Spurs last season before being dismissed. He is reportedly open to a swift Premier League return.

Jose Mourinho is also another candidate. He recently left his position as the head coach of Fenerbahce.

Taking over Forest would be a remarkable comeback for the three-time Premier League champion.