Nuno Espirito Santo was surprisingly linked with a move back to Saudi Arabia recently, with a fresh update spelling concern for Nottingham Forest.
Espirito Santo is a target for Al Hilal as the Saudi Arabian side look to replace the outgoing Jorge Jesus. The Forest manager has a history of success in the Middle East, which clearly makes him an interesting proposition.
Adding to this, Espirito Santo was keen to support the Saudi football project when he was in charge at Al Ittihad before his move to Forest, making a switch back to the nation not out of the realm of possibility.
Concerns were cooled as Marco Silva became favourite for the Al Hilal job, but news of his rejection of the role has catapulted Espirito Santo back into the conversation.
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo in Al Hilal’s mind after Marco Silva decision
Gary Neville urged Espirito Santo to leave Forest after Evangelos Marinakis appeared to argue with the Portuguese boss on the pitch after Sunday’s draw with Leicester City, although that situation was cleared up.
However, his exit isn’t fully out of the question as, according to talkSPORT, Espirito Santo is still in the Al Hilal conversation after Marco Silva’s decision.
The report said: “Marco Silva has told Al-Hilal he wants to stay in Europe despite a mega-money offer to join the Saudi Pro League side.
“Fulham boss Silva has held several meetings with Hilal officials, who wanted him to lead them at this summer’s Club World Cup. […] Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is another name appreciated by Hilal chiefs.”
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Forest have delayed offering Espirito Santo a new contract, so capturing him would be feasible for Al Hilal financially, but there is perhaps one aspect of his previous experience in the Saudi Pro League that may change his mind on returning.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s previous Saudi experience ended badly
The Forest boss was successful on the pitch in the Pro League, winning the title with Al Ittihad and finishing that season with an average points score of 2.4 points per game.
However, in Saudi Arabia, there is the added pressure of managing huge names, and according to AS, Espirito Santo had a bust-up with Karim Benzema before his eventual exit.
🚨🟡⚫️ Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked — Al Ittihad decided to fire the coach.
Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté and all the other stars will have another coach 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/Skzi6jVp4J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2023
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The report, quoting Saudi broadcaster Al Riyadiah, said: “The team had fallen into a slump, with poor results and worsening feelings. The trigger: the Champions League defeat in Iraq, coupled with a heated argument with Benzema.
“‘You’re a great player, but it seems you’re too lazy to press the opponent,'” Nuno demanded. “‘Don’t just talk to me, talk to the whole group, ‘” Benzema responded.”
The current Al Hilal squad boasts Ruben Neves, who Espirito Santo has worked with before, but also the fiery Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has the capacity to cause the very same issues for the Forest boss.