Nuno Espirito Santo could be set for a shock departure from Nottingham Forest despite overseeing one of the club's most successful seasons in recent memory.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, internal tensions between the Portuguese manager and club owner Evangelos Marinakis may lead to his exit this summer.
The matter is now being discussed internally at the City Ground, with sources suggesting "the time has come to change manager" despite Forest's remarkable campaign.
The potential departure comes as a "rather strange development" given Forest remain in contention for Champions League qualification with just one match remaining in the Premier League season.
Nuno Espirito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis reportedly do not see eye to eye
Reuters/PA
Since taking over in December 2023 following Steve Cooper's sacking, Nuno has masterminded a remarkable transformation at Forest.
The club, who narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing 17th with just 32 points, now sit seventh in the Premier League.
Under Nuno's leadership, Forest have secured landmark victories at Anfield and Old Trafford, ending decades-long winless streaks at both iconic venues.
His tactical discipline and physical intensity quickly reshaped their season, with the former Wolves boss earning Manager of the Month honours three times – a first in the club's history.
The turnaround has given Forest hope of qualifying for European competition for the first time in 29 years.
Despite the on-field success, tensions have reportedly risen between Nuno and Marinakis in recent weeks.
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Following a 2-2 home draw with relegated Leicester, the Greek businessman was seen angrily confronting Nuno on the pitch.
While initially thought to be about Forest's failure to hold their lead, it later emerged Marinakis was furious over Taiwo Awoniyi being allowed to continue playing after colliding with a post.
The forward was subsequently rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to treat an abdominal injury.
Nuno later downplayed the dispute, but the incident appears to have deepened existing tensions between the manager and owner.
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Nuno Espirito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis had angry words on the field following Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester on SundayGetty Forest's recent form has been concerning, with the club winning just two of their last seven league games.
This poor run has seen them slide down the table to seventh after occupying the top four for much of the campaign.
Nevertheless, Forest remain within reach of a historic Champions League qualification.
A win in their final league game against Chelsea on Sunday could secure a place in Europe's elite competition, though they will need other results to go their way.
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Nottingham Forest fans will be shocked to hear that Nuno Espirito Santo could be on his way out
Reuters
The timing of these internal discussions about Nuno's future is particularly surprising given what's at stake in the season finale.
Marinakis later addressed the incident, blaming media exaggeration and attributing his reaction to passion for the club.
"Everybody, coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself, we were frustrated around the injury and the medical staff's misjudgment on Taiwo's ability to continue the game," he said.
"This is natural and a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club."
Taiwo Awoniyi underwent 'urgent surgery' after suffering a severe injury on SundayReutersThe ex-Wolves and Tottenham manager's potential departure will cause significant concern among Forest supporters following a campaign that has transformed the club's fortunes.
Nuno's three Premier League Manager of the Month awards this season highlight the remarkable impact he has made at the City Ground.
