Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo is facing an early battle for control at the City Ground, following a significant clash with the club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, over transfer policy.
The Independent can reveal that the new boss was left furious and deeply frustrated after Marinakis personally intervened to block a move for a striker Nuno had identified as a key target. The owner's interference has sparked major concerns about the manager's autonomy just weeks into his tenure.
A Transfer Tug-of-War
The rift opened when the club's football hierarchy presented a list of potential forward signings to Marinakis. The owner, however, rejected all proposed options, opting instead to pursue his own targets—players that did not align with Nuno's tactical vision for the squad.
This is not an isolated incident. Sources close to the club describe a pattern of behaviour from the Greek shipping magnate, who has been accused of attempting to force signings upon his manager, undermining the very structure put in place to handle football operations.
Shades of Ange Postecoglou Dispute
The situation bears a striking resemblance to Marinakis's previous falling out with another high-profile manager, Ange Postecoglou, during their time together at Olympiacos. That relationship deteriorated precisely over the same issue: the owner's desire to sign players without the manager's approval.
This historical precedent raises serious questions about the working environment at Forest and whether Nuno will be granted the final say on squad matters that most modern managers demand.
A Tense Atmosphere at the City Ground
The disagreement has cast a pall over the club's pre-season preparations. The sense of frustration within Nuno's camp is palpable, with the manager believed to be deeply unimpressed with having to operate under such constraints.
For Nottingham Forest fans, this internal power struggle will be a worrying echo of the instability that has plagued the club at various points since its return to the Premier League. All eyes will be on the City Ground to see if this rift can be healed before the new season kicks off.
