Nottingham Forest’s Manager Faces the Sack After Falling Short
Despite helping Nottingham Forest secure European football, manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s job is reportedly hanging by a thread. After guiding Forest to a surprise top-four run for much of the season, a late collapse saw them finish seventh, dashing their Champions League hopes. They’ll instead settle for a spot in the UEFA Conference League a decent achievement considering their 17th-place finish last season, but one that may not satisfy the club’s ambitious owner, Evangelos Marinakis.
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European Qualification Not Enough
Forest’s season ended with just one win in their last five games, capped by a disappointing home loss to Chelsea on the final day. That result dropped them from Champions League contention and into the third-tier Conference League. For many clubs, that would be seen as progress, but for Marinakis who has a track record of thinking big and making bold moves it may not cut it. Football journalist Darren Lewis spoke on The Kelly & Wrighty Show, pointing out how Marinakis’ ambition could cost Nuno his job.
Ambition at the Top
“He’s done a great job, but Marinakis wants more,” Lewis explained. “He’s got a large portfolio, he managed to lure Edu from Arsenal. That’s not small-time thinking. He’ll be asking, ‘Could a more seasoned manager have delivered Champions League?’” Lewis even speculated that Marinakis may have already spent money based on an expected top-four finish, raising the stakes for Nuno’s position.
A History of Short Tenures
Getting sacked would be a cruel blow for Nuno, who was previously given just 17 games in charge at Tottenham. Despite bringing stability and style to Forest, it might not be enough to keep him in the dugout next season.
Calls for Patience
Arsenal legend Ian Wright weighed in, saying Forest would be wrong to part ways with Nuno. “How does a manager grow if he’s constantly on the chopping block?” Wright asked. “Nuno’s done well he could get Forest into the top four with more time.” He added that firing the Portuguese coach would be disappointing and potentially damaging for his career.
