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

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

The club confirmed his dismissal just months after he signed a new deal.

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.

The result 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 him 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 he arrived in July.

The Portuguese was appointed in December 2023 and oversaw a dramatic turnaround, steering Forest away from relegation 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. However, this summer’s preparations left the 50-year-old frustrated, and results have dipped.

The Midlands side have collected only four points from their opening three games and were beaten 3-0 by West Ham United in their most recent outing.

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. Fenerbahce recently sacked him.

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