Manchester United icon and outspoken pundit Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Nottingham Forest, labelling the club a 'soft touch' in the wake of their shocking decision to dismiss manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The brutal verdict came during Sky Sports' coverage of the club's dramatic 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth, a result that sealed the Portuguese manager's fate after a mere eight matches at the helm.
A Brutal Assessment from the Studio
Keane, never one to mince his words, pulled no punches in his analysis. 'They're a soft touch. I look at Forest and I think, soft. They give up bad goals,' he declared from the Sky Sports studio, his frustration palpable.
His co-host, Micah Richards, could only look on in stunned silence as Keane dismantled the team's performance and mentality, suggesting a deep-rooted problem at the City Ground that goes beyond any single manager.
The End of a Short-Lived Era
Nuno's departure marks a chaotic chapter for the Midlands club. Hired in December to replace the popular Steve Cooper, his tenure was the shortest permanent managerial stint in the club's entire 158-year history.
The decision, reportedly made by owner Evangelos Marinakis, comes after a dismal run of form that has seen Forest languish dangerously close to the Premier League's relegation zone, a mere five points above the drop.
More Than Just Results
While the poor results were a major factor, Keane's comments hint at a deeper issue: a perceived lack of fight and character within the squad. His criticism suggests the problems at Forest are cultural, not just tactical.
The search for a new manager begins immediately, with the club's top-flight status hanging in the balance. The question remains: who would want to take on what Keane clearly sees as a squad with a weak mentality?
One thing is certain: the pressure is now on the Forest hierarchy to make an appointment that can not only get results but also toughen up what their former captain sees as a 'soft' team.
