Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after just three games into the new season.
The 51-year-old, who was handed a new contract this summer after guiding Forest to the Europa League, said in August his relationship with co-owner Evangelos Marinakis was “not the same” and “not so good as it was [last season]”.
The sacking followed Nuno’s open criticism of the senior figures at Forest overseeing their transfer strategy, saying his squad was “unbalanced” and “very, very far” from being ready for the new season.
Forest released a statement at 12.15am on Tuesday that read: “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.”
Nuno guided Forest back into Europe for the first time in 30 years last season, having taken the club from the brink of relegation to a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.
Nuno, who signed a new three-year contract in June, revealed his relationship with Marinakis had changed and they were “not as close”, especially since the arrival of new head of football Edu Gaspar, the former director of Arsenal.
He also said “when there’s smoke, there’s fire” regarding reports of his exit, which has now been confirmed by the club.
Nuno remained in charge for the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace and the 3-0 home defeat to West Ham before the international break, with Nuno departing ahead of Forest’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday.
