Nuno Espírito Santo has cast doubt over his position as Nottingham Forest head coach, admitting his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis has deteriorated. The 51-year-old, who led Forest to European qualification last season and signed a new three-year deal in June, acknowledged there is 'no smoke without fire' amid reports of a potential sacking.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Friday, Nuno unusually divulged the breakdown in communication. 'I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very close,' he said. 'This season, not so well... our relations have changed. It is not so close now. I’m being honest with you, I cannot say that is the same, because it’s not the same.'
When asked about Italian reports linking him with the sack, Nuno fuelled speculation. 'Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I know how things work, but I’m here to do my job,' he said. 'I’m the first one to be worried. I’m the first one to be concerned. There’s no smoke without fire.'
Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham manager who is currently out of work, is understood to be a leading candidate to replace Nuno should the club decide to make a change. Forest travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday after beating Brentford 3-1 in their opening match.
Nuno had previously voiced concerns about the squad's readiness for a Europa League campaign, and Marinakis responded by spending nearly £100 million on four players: Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz. Despite that backing, the manager's comments have reportedly inflamed tensions behind the scenes.
