It’s an exciting week for Elliot Anderson, given his call-up to the England senior squad, but matters back at Nottingham Forest are proving to be a distraction.
Anderson earned an England call-up after playing a pivotal role in the U21s retaining the Euros over the summer, putting his name even more on the map after a stellar first season at the City Ground.
Speaking after the squad was announced, Thomas Tuchel described what Anderson could offer England, with his physicality and drive in the midfield potentially offering something that the Three Lions have been missing.
However, with speculation over Nuno Espírito Santo’s future remaining rife on Trentside, the 22-year-old has taken the time out of England duty to discuss his Forest manager.
Nuno Espirito Santo looking worried on the pitch at the City Ground
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Elliot Anderson remains fully behind Nuno Espírito Santo
Anderson and England face back-to-back World Cup qualifying matches over the next week, with two wins going a long way to securing their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
The turbulence at the City Ground looks set to continue throughout the international break, though, leaving Anderson in a position to answer questions about his manager’s future.
Speaking to The Independent about whether he hopes Nuno will remain in charge, he said: “Yeah, definitely. He’s been really good for me. I feel he’s given me the freedom to go out and do what I do. He just believes in me, which is the main thing.
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“He has said ‘go out and play the way you train’, which has really helped me. Freedom in the team has given me the platform to do well.”
Clearly a fan of the Portuguese manager, then, Anderson’s praise of Espírito Santo’s methods hints at a squad that remains behind their coach, meaning that Evangelos Marinakis will need to tread carefully as this situation continues to unfold.
Nuno and Marinakis are set for talks which may end up clearing the tension up, but equally, it’s not hard to imagine that the uncomfortable atmosphere at the City Ground could lead to a change in direction for the club.
There have already been rumours flying around that Marinakis could part ways with Nuno with the likes of Ange Postecoglou already mentioned as a potential successor.
However, if Anderson’s feelings around Nuno are echoed throughout the squad, a change of manager will have to be a decision that is taken very cautiously.
Upsetting the squad by dismissing Nuno would immediately put any new manager on the back foot, so open communication will be key as the tension rumbles on.