Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford at City Ground on August 17, 2025 in Nottingham, England.placeholder image
Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford at City Ground on August 17, 2025 in Nottingham, England. | Getty Images
The first Premier League manager sacking of the season has happened just three games into the campaign
Nottingham Forest have sacked manager Nuno Espírito Santo ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
A club statement read: “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 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 Espírito Santo admits relationship with club owner had broken down
Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Crystal Palace in August, Nuno admitted his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated. He said: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season we were very close and almost a daily basis.
“This season it is not so well but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close.”
He continued: “No, it is not good. I think everybody at the club should be together but this not the reality.
“I don’t know exactly [why it has changed] but I’m being honest with you, it is not the same. The reason behind it I do not know. What I said last week or two weeks ago was my concern and why I was worried because my job is to anticipate what is coming ahead of us.
“What I said, I said it with respect. The reality is that [the relationship] is not what is use to be. It was a respectful relationship, it was more based on trust and sharing opinions, and now it is not so good.”
The Athletic reported after those comments had been made that Nuno did not have a good relationship with Edu. The former Arsenal sporting director was named as Forest’s head of global football in July.
However, Nuno’s relationship with the former Gunners transfer boss “started badly” and in mid-August there was an acceptance at the City Ground the damage between the pair was “potentially irreparable”. The issue between the pair was described as “deeply personal” and that Edu had been staying away from the club’s training ground.
Nottingham Forest have mixed start against London clubs as they prepare for Arsenal
Forest started their Premier League campaign with a 3-1 home win over Brentford at the City Ground. Their following outing was a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, that had more tension in the build-up after anger from the Eagles’ faithful over Forest’s involvement in their demotion to the Europa Conference League.
Before the international break, West Ham United beat Forest 3-0 at the City Ground with all of the goals coming after the 84th minute. It was a game that saw Hammers boss Graham Potter under pressure in the build up. The win eased the weight on Potter’s shoulders heading into the international break.
Now Nuno has been relieved of his duties with Forest set to have a new face in the dugout for their visit to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon. Nuno had managed against Arsenal 10 times in his career but only three times as Forest boss.
He lost 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium last November but earned a 0-0 draw at the City Ground in February. He lost a North London derby during his brief stint as Tottenham Hotspur boss but beat the Gunners three times when in charge of Wolves, drawing twice and losing just once.
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