Nottingham Forest: Why Nuno Espirito Santo's dismissal was inevitable after Evangelos Marinakis rift

Nottingham Forest were the surprise package of last season’s Premier League. For much of the campaign, they held a top-three position despite boasting a considerably weaker squad than their rivals, and ultimately secured a respectable seventh-place finish—earning European qualification. Much of their success was attributed to manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who has nonetheless now been dismissed by the club.

Forest confirmed the decision on Monday via an official statement, citing “recent circumstances”. The Reds began the new campaign with a 3-1 win over Brentford, followed by a draw with Crystal Palace and a defeat to West Ham United.

"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." the statement read.

Despite last season’s achievements, the decision had long appeared inevitable due to the deteriorating relationship between the Portuguese coach and the club’s hierarchy.

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

A fractured relationship with Marinakis

Tensions reportedly began with Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, and later extended to sporting director Edu Gaspar, both of whom are involved in the wider network that includes Rio Ave and Olympiacos.

As performances declined late last season—ultimately costing Forest a Champions League place—Marinakis stormed the pitch to confront Nuno following a draw with relegated Leicester City, challenging the manager over a substitution decision.

Though Nuno downplayed the incident at the time, it marked the beginning of a breakdown. Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, he publicly criticised the club’s recruitment strategy and internal planning.

"We are very, very far from where we should be—very far away. In terms of preparation, planning, casting... We are all very worried because we are playing in the most demanding league in the world," he told Sky Sports News on 15 August.

"The plans we had didn’t come to fruition. Our squad preparation was far from ideal. We didn’t have the chance to build connections because we didn’t know what our roster would be. Some players here know they’ll be loaned out—it’s a big problem."

Just a week later, on 22 August, Nuno admitted that his relationship with Marinakis had soured.

"I always had a very good relationship with the owner. Last season, we spoke almost daily. This season, it’s not so great."

"Our relationship has changed. It’s no longer daily. It's not good. Everyone in the club should be united, but that's not the reality."

The Edu Gaspar fallout that sealed Nuno’s fate

According to reports, tensions with Edu Gaspar were also pivotal. A detailed account published last month revealed that the pair had clashed from the outset, with what was described as a “major conflict” early in their working relationship.

"Nuno made his opinions clear, especially about Edu—both directly to him and to other people at the club. It’s personal, deeply personal. […] Of the two, Nuno has been the more confrontational, delivering some extremely blunt statements. Meanwhile, Edu has avoided the club's training ground," the report stated.

Nuno’s public remarks were seen as indirect criticism of Gaspar, while Marinakis reportedly took them as a personal affront. Rumours of his sacking quickly intensified.

"Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I know how these things work," Nuno himself admitted at the time.

The dismissal was confirmed on Monday—less than three months after the Portuguese coach had signed a contract extension through to 2028. That deal had been finalised before Edu Gaspar’s arrival at the club.

Reports now suggest former Tottenham manager and Europa League-winning coach Ange Postecoglou is the leading candidate to replace Nuno at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest are due to face Arsenal away on Saturday (13 September), before travelling to Spain for their first European fixture in 30 years—against Real Betis in the Europa League.

This article was originally published on Trivela.