Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo insists he wants to stay in his job and will hold more talks with the club’s hierarchy soon.
The Portuguese coach – who signed a new contract in June after guiding Forest to European football for the first time since 1995 – poured fuel on speculation his position was under threat during Friday’s press conference ahead of the Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
Nuno admitted his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated, due in part to the arrival of global head of football Edu Gaspar.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants everyone to focus on the match at Selhurst Park
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants everyone to focus on the match at Selhurst Park(John Walton/PA)
However, the former Wolves and Tottenham boss played down the speculation over his future in Sunday’s pre-match interview at Selhurst Park.
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When asked if his comments could be perceived as him trying to engineer a departure from the club, Nuno told Sky Sports: “That is nonsense. That does not make any kind of sense.
“The state is that we are focused on the game, that is more important. We have to make sure the players are ready to play, because this game is going to be very tough.”
Asked if he wanted to continue in his role, the Forest boss added: “Of course. Of course.”
Nuno confirmed there would be time set aside for more talks with Marinakis and Edu.
“Yes, that is what we need to do and we are going to do it,” he said. “Today, for sure not because it is the match, but soon of course.
“There is no speculation around anything. What we have (to do) is to communicate and (talk about how we are going to) approach the final days of the (transfer) market. How we are going to approach the season (and) prepare our boys.”