Nottingham Forest’s stunning 2024–25 campaign, which saw them climb from 17th place to within reach of Champions League qualification, has been marred by internal tensions that could lead to the departure of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo at the end of the season.
The Portuguese tactician, appointed in December 2023, has transformed the club’s fortunes, guiding the Reds into European contention. However, a recent public incident has cast doubt over his long-term future. Following Forest’s 2–2 draw with Leicester City, club owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly stormed the pitch and became involved in a heated confrontation with Espírito Santo.
The flashpoint reportedly centered on the decision to leave striker Taiwo Awoniyi on the pitch after he collided with the goalpost. Awoniyi was later rushed to the hospital, underwent surgery, and was placed in an induced coma. While he is now recovering, the incident clearly shook the club. Marinakis’s anger was visible as he walked directly onto the pitch after the final whistle—a rare move for any club owner.
Although Forest attempted to downplay the episode—labeling media reports as “fake news” and claiming Marinakis’s pitch invasion was motivated purely by concern for Awoniyi’s health—multiple sources close to the club have confirmed that tensions between the manager and owner have been simmering for some time.
To complicate matters further, reports have emerged that Italian side AS Roma are interested in making Espírito Santo their new manager. With Claudio Ranieri set to step down, Roma have allegedly tabled a two-year offer with significant backing in the transfer market. The proposal could be a tempting one for Espírito Santo, particularly given the recent unrest at Forest.
Despite these developments, Nottingham Forest are keen to retain their manager. Espírito Santo has one year remaining on his contract, and his impact—taking a struggling side from the brink of relegation to European football—has been nothing short of remarkable.
As Forest prepare for their final match of the season, all eyes are on the pitch. But behind the scenes, the club faces a potential managerial upheaval that could undo much of the momentum built under Espírito Santo. Whether he stays to continue this project or seeks a new challenge abroad remains an open—and increasingly urgent—question.
