Nottingham Forest have dismissed head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after just three games into the new season.
The 51-year-old, who signed a new three-year deal in June after guiding Forest to the Europa League, had recently admitted that his relationship with co-owner Evangelos Marinakis was “not the same” as last season.
His departure comes after he openly criticised the club’s transfer strategy, describing the squad as “unbalanced” and “very, very far” from being ready for the campaign.
In a statement released at 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Forest 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, particularly 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 took charge last season with Forest struggling near relegation but led them to a seventh-place Premier League finish, securing European football for the first time in 30 years.
However, his relationship with Marinakis reportedly soured following the appointment of Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s former sporting director, as Forest’s new head of football.
Hints of tension had surfaced weeks earlier when Nuno remarked that “when there’s smoke, there’s fire” in response to speculation about his future.
He oversaw a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace and a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham before the international break, but now departs ahead of Forest’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday.
