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Nottingham Forest’s hierarchy have been left puzzled by comments made by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, but insist there are no immediate plans to remove him from his position.
Sources close to the club say owner Evangelos Marinakis and senior executives were surprised by Nuno’s suggestion on Friday that his relationship with Marinakis is “not the same” and “not so good as it was.” The remarks have raised questions internally about the Portuguese coach’s long-term commitment.
Even so, it is understood that Nuno will be in charge for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace unless he chooses to walk away. Behind the scenes, discussions continue as the situation develops rapidly.
Marinakis, though angered by the public comments, is said to be focused on maintaining unity within the squad, which many believe to be the strongest Forest have assembled in decades. The owner is also unwilling to see further distractions disrupt preparations for the new season.
Forest have spent more than £118m on four new signings in the past week, a level of investment Marinakis regards as evidence of his continued backing for Nuno.
Nuno’s own words have fuelled speculation about his future. Addressing reporters, he admitted his relationship with Marinakis has changed:
"We know each other very well, and we have all been in the industry for a while now. And where there's smoke, there's fire, so I know how things work, but I'm here to do my job. I understand, because I'm worried. I'm the first one to be worried. I'm the first one to be concerned."
When pressed further, he added:
"I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very close. This season, not so well. No, it's not. I don't know exactly, but I'm being honest with you. I cannot say that is the same, because it's not the same. The reason behind it, I don't know. I always believe that dialogue and what you say or your opinion, is always valid, because my concern is the squad and the season that we have ahead of us, but our relations have changed. I'm being honest with you, I cannot say that is the same, because it's not the same. The reason behind it, I don't know. The reality is that it is not what it used to be. What it used to be was a good, respectful relationship, but was more based on trust and sharing opinions, and now it's not so good."
Speaking to BBC Sport, Nuno echoed those concerns, saying:
"I always had a very good relationship with the owner - last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well, but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close."
When asked directly if the change was positive, he replied:
"No, it is not good. I think everybody at the club should be together but this is not the reality."
Nuno has also made no secret of his frustrations with Forest’s transfer business this summer, despite significant spending.
The manager’s admission follows a turbulent few months, including a tense moment in May when Marinakis appeared to confront him on the pitch after a 2-2 draw with Leicester. The club later denied any conflict, calling such reports “fake news.”
Despite the public rift, Nuno only signed a new three-year deal in June, with Marinakis at the time describing their bond as “strong and solid.” That relationship is now under intense scrutiny as Forest prepare to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @officialnffc
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