Nottingham Forest manager could leave despite stunning season | OneFootball

Nuno Espírito Santo Faces Uncertain Future Despite Forest’s European Charge

Forest’s rise shadowed by doubts over manager’s future

Nottingham Forest’s 2024–25 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the depths of a relegation scrap to the verge of European football for the first time in nearly three decades, the transformation has been defined by resilience, tactical clarity and belief. At the heart of it all has been Nuno Espírito Santo.

Appointed in December 2023, the Portuguese manager has turned a 17th-placed side into a Premier League force. Memorable wins at Anfield and Old Trafford broke long-standing curses, and Forest currently sit seventh with one match to play. Nuno has rightly been awarded Manager of the Month three times, a club first.

Yet, with success comes complication. According to FootMercato, internal tensions between Nuno and club owner Evangelos Marinakis may lead to an abrupt parting of ways at the end of the season. The timing, just as Forest edge closer to European qualification, feels jarring.

Photo: IMAGO

Tensions behind the scenes

While results have captivated fans, relationships behind the scenes appear less harmonious. Sources suggest differences over the club’s direction, transfer strategy and long-term vision have created friction.

Despite the success on the pitch, Nuno’s future now hangs in the balance. It’s an uncomfortable narrative for a club enjoying its best top-flight season in a generation.

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For Forest fans, this report will send shivers down the spine. Not because the team isn’t performing, but because it reminds them how fragile success can be.

Nuno has done something few thought possible. He’s united a squad, re-energised the supporters and given City Ground its pride back. To talk about his departure now, on the cusp of European qualification, feels not just premature but reckless.

If true, tensions with Marinakis must be addressed quickly and constructively. Owners often see football through a different lens, but the unity between manager, players and fans has carried Forest through its finest run in a generation. Pulling that thread now could unravel everything.

There are no guarantees in football. But if Nuno wants to stay, and the players are behind him, the board must put egos aside. Because this is a project worth continuing.