Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has opened up on how owner Evangelos Marinakis treats the club's players following his controversial outburst on Sunday. Marinakis stormed onto the pitch following the 2-2 home draw with Leicester, and his antics were initially perceived as frustration over his side dropping points.
However, manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed afterwards that the Greek businessman was upset regarding the mix-up over Taiwo Awoniyi. The Nigerian striker received lengthy treatment after colliding with the post in the dying minutes, yet was allowed to stay on the field until the final whistle. Awoniyi later needed abdominal surgery and was placed in an induced coma, although he has since woken up and is making a recovery.
Still, Marinakis received stinging criticism for his behaviour. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville led the chorus of detractors, calling for Nuno to resign in light of the owner’s foray onto the field at the City Ground.
Now, Aina, 28, has given a rare insight into how the Greek investor speaks with club stars. Awoniyi’s international team-mate dispelled suggestions his boss was a hot-headed character, revealing how he greets the squad.
“He chats to players,” he told the Daily Mail. “Every time I see him it’s: “Hi, how are you doing?’ Short and sweet, which I don’t mind. He has things to do.”
Forest have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season, but their Champions League hopes have faded after just two points from their last three games. They also lost an FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City, but Aina said Marinakis will continue to target success.
“I wouldn’t say he is buying into being an underdog,” he said. “That’s not what he wants. It’s more that he knows the potential of the club to be able to compete season after season and challenge for things.”
The 57-year-old is also the owner and former president of Olympiacos. In May 2024, they became the first Greek side to win a European competition when they beat Fiorentina to claim the Europa Conference League title.