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Nuno Espirito Santo depart Nottingham Forest as relationship breaks down with the owner.
Nottingham Forest have parted ways with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, bringing an end to his nearly two-year spell at the City Ground. The Portuguese tactician becomes the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season.
Tensions between Nuno and club owner Evangelos Marinakis had been simmering for weeks, culminating in an irreparable breakdown in their relationship.
As a result, the 50-year-old will not be at the helm for Forest’s return to European competition, where they are set to face FC Porto and SC Braga.
Nuno, who had been under contract until 2028, departs just a week after Forest’s heavy 3-0 home defeat to West Ham.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Nuno Espirito Santo and Nottingham Forest part ways with immediate effect.
Decision made after tension between the parties in the recent weeks, it’s over for Nuno at #NFFC, as @Record_Portugal reports.
3 candidates including Ange Postecoglou under consideration. pic.twitter.com/9cu0Y1cV4n
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2025
In an official statement, the club said:
“Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
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.”
Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at The City Ground, in particular his role in the… pic.twitter.com/catCyeaeR4
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 8, 2025
Attention now turns to finding a successor, with former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou emerging as the frontrunner. Should he take the role, he may be joined by Scott Munn, who worked closely with him at Spurs.
Other names in the frame include Marco Silva of Fulham, Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace, and Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers. Jose Mourinho has also been discussed as an option.
Forest are pushing for a swift appointment ahead of their weekend clash against Arsenal at the Emirates. Marinakis had reportedly been considering a change since Nuno publicly acknowledged his strained relationship with the ownership before last month’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.