Nuno Rejects Quit Rumours but Forest Future Uncertain

Nuno Espirito Santo insists he has no intention of quitting as Nottingham Forest manager but admitted he cannot guarantee he will remain in charge beyond the end of the summer transfer window.

Relationship Strained With Marinakis

The Portuguese coach revealed on Friday that his relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis had “changed” and that the two are “not as close” as before. Speaking after Forest’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, Nuno dismissed suggestions he was pushing for an exit, calling the claims “absurd” and “nonsense.”

“I will never quit. It is absurd,” said Nuno.

“But I cannot answer whether I will still be here after the window.”

He confirmed discussions with Marinakis and global head of football Edu over transfers are ongoing. While Edu was present at Selhurst Park, Marinakis was absent.

Transfer Frustrations

Forest have signed eight senior players this summer, allowing Nuno to bring more than £100m worth of talent off the bench against Palace. Debuts were handed to James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, and Arnaud Kalimuendo, while £36m signing Dan Ndoye registered his second Premier League assist in as many games.

Despite the spending, Nuno remains dissatisfied, stressing the need for a new goalkeeper and two full-backs.

Fans Back the Manager

Forest supporters made their feelings clear at Selhurst Park, chanting “Nuno, Nuno, Nuno” after the final whistle. The manager responded with applause and a thumbs-up gesture, though uncertainty remains about whether it was a farewell.

Fans interviewed pre-match expressed hope the issues could be resolved, praising Marinakis’ financial backing but urging stability.

Expert Opinion: A Losing Battle?

European football analyst Julien Laurens believes Nuno may not survive the standoff:

“This is a battle Nuno will lose. Once you publicly question your owner, it’s done. He knows he can’t win this.”

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha echoed that sentiment, suggesting the relationship was “broken” and hinting Nuno may walk before being sacked.

What’s Next for Forest?

Forest missed the chance to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since 1987-88, but remain unbeaten against Palace in 11 league meetings. Off the pitch, the focus will now shift to whether Nuno, Marinakis, and Edu can resolve their differences — or whether Forest are heading for another managerial change.