In a dramatic twist to Nottingham Forest's search for a new manager, Tottenham Hotspur's Ange Postecoglou has emphatically rejected an approach from the City Ground hierarchy. The shock move comes as owner Evangelos Marinakis scrambles to find a permanent successor to the sacked Steve Cooper.
The Independent can reveal that Postecoglou was the club's primary target, but the Australian manager remains fully committed to his project at Spurs, despite a recent dip in form. His immediate rejection has forced Forest to pivot swiftly to other candidates.
Nuno Espírito Santo Emerges as Frontrunner
With the Postecoglou dream over before it began, Nottingham Forest have rapidly escalated discussions with former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham manager Nuno Espírito Santo. The Portuguese coach is now the clear favourite to take the reins.
Nuno is understood to be open to the challenge of a relegation battle and is currently out of work after his stint with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad came to an end. His prior Premier League experience is seen as a major asset by the Forest decision-makers.
Marinakis Demands Immediate Impact
The pursuit of a high-calibre manager like Postecoglou underscores the ambitious, yet impatient, nature of owner Evangelos Marinakis. The Greek shipping magnate dismissed the popular Steve Cooper despite a historic season that saw the club maintain its Premier League status.
Marinakis is notorious for his quick trigger finger with managers, and the appointment of Nuno would be his fourth permanent manager since acquiring the club in 2017. The pressure for immediate results is immense, with Forest hovering just five points above the relegation zone.
What This Means for Tottenham and Forest
For Tottenham, Postecoglou's rejection of a rival club is a significant vote of confidence in his long-term vision. It quells any early speculation about his commitment and allows him to focus on rebuilding Spurs.
For Nottingham Forest, the episode highlights the difficulty in attracting elite managers amidst a precarious league position. While Nuno Espírito Santo represents a solid, experienced alternative, the failure to land their first choice is a telling blow to the club's prestige. The City Ground faithful will be hoping a deal can be struck quickly to bring stability ahead of a critical festive period.
