Nottingham Forest’s move to swap Nuno Espírito Santo with Ange Postecoglou has caused plenty of conversation, with Nuno’s inner circle now revealing interesting details about the buildup.
Espírito Santo was dismissed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with Postecoglou immediately linked with the Forest job in the aftermath.
Those links quickly became official when Forest announced Postecoglou as the new head coach, an announcement that didn’t come as a surprise given the pre-existing relationship between Postecoglou and Evangelos Marinakis.
This relationship is seemingly at the heart of why such a quick decision was made, but a fresh report has detailed that those close to Nuno feel that Postecoglou’s appointment to the Forest job was much longer in the making.
Nuno Espirito Santo looking worried on the pitch at the City Ground
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Nuno’s inner circle felt Ange Postecoglou’s arrival was inevitable
It was clear from Neco Williams’ tribute to Espírito Santo that the squad hold no ill feelings towards the former head coach, potentially making Postecoglou’s opening few weeks in the role more complicated as he attempts to win the players over.
However, the relationship between Nuno and the club hierarchy may be more damaged, with a report from The Athletic detailing how unsafe the Portuguese manager’s job felt this season.
The report said: “Against that kind of backdrop [Marinakis and Postecoglou’s friendship], it might explain why Nuno was, according to his inner circle, absolutely convinced that Postecoglou was being lined up to replace him even before a ball had been kicked this season.
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
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“People close to Nuno, speaking anonymously like others in this article to protect working relationships, have told The Athletic that his belief is that it was decided a month ago.”
Amid the drama of his deteriorated relationship with Edu, it makes sense that Nuno would be looking over his shoulder, with the availability of his eventual successor putting his job at risk throughout.
Whether Marinakis was planning ahead with the Postecoglou appointment is to be determined, but his admiration for his new head coach was no secret.
Evangelos Marinakis’ admiration for Ange Postecoglou is clear
Marinakis was furious about Nuno’s public criticisms, which formed a major part of why he felt the change was necessary.
If Nuno’s inner circle is right, though, their case is certainly strengthened by the Forest owner’s personal admiration for Postecoglou.
Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as the Club’s First Team Head Coach.
Postecoglou has been in management for over 25 years, arriving on Trentside with experience of regularly competing and winning trophies at the highest level.… pic.twitter.com/Yc2XLrZa7M
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 9, 2025
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Graeme Bailey exclusively told Nottingham Forest News: “I think it’s a dream appointment for Marinakis. He sees Postecoglou as an all-time footballing legend for what he’s done for Australian and Greek football.
“Marinakis didn’t think he’d leave Spurs, so the chance to get him, I think it’s just too good for him to turn down.”
The Reds supporters may well be disappointed to see how the Nuno era has ended, but it’s clear that the club’s hierarchy are excited about their future with Ange Postecoglou.