Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said his relationship with the club’s outspoken owner Evangelos Marinakis has deteriorated amid speculation the Portuguese coach could soon be sacked, with Australian Ange Postecoglou reportedly a leading candidate to take over the role.
Nuno, who was handed a new contract in June after guiding Forest into Europe for the first time in 30 years by finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, voiced his dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer business ahead of the new campaign.
Since then Forest have splashed over £100 million (AU$208 million) on James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz.
However, Nuno was surprisingly candid about his dealings with Greek shipping magnate Marinakis.
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“I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very, very close,” Nuno said on Friday.
“This season, not so well. No, it’s not (good).
“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.
“The reality is that 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.”
The pair were involved in an on-pitch confrontation towards the end of last season after Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi played on in a match against Leicester with an abdominal injury that later required urgent surgery.
Nuno even admitted to being worried his job is on the line after odds on him being the next Premier League manager sacked were slashed.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I know how things work, but I’m here to do my job,” he added.
“I understand, because I’m worried. I’m the first one to be worried. I’m the first one to be concerned.”
According to several reports, including football transfer guru Matteo Moretto, former Tottenham manager Postecoglou is understood to be a leading candidate for the role should Forest decide to sack Nuno. The 59-year-old, who left Spurs in June and was replaced by Thomas Frank, is thought to be interested in the role, The Guardian reported.
Fenerbache manager Jose Mourinho has also been touted as an option.
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