Evangelos Marinakis’ New Favourite to Replace Nuno Espirito Santo Revealed as Nottingham Forest Consider Celtic Boss Brendan Rodgers as Successor

A Managerial Storm Brewing at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest is no stranger to turbulence. A club steeped in tradition, often caught in the whirlwind of modern football, now finds itself on the brink of yet another managerial change. This time, the storm centres around owner Evangelos Marinakis and his deteriorating relationship with current head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

According to reports from The Sun, Marinakis has already identified Brendan Rodgers — currently in charge at Celtic — as his new favourite to step into the dugout at the City Ground. The whispers from behind the scenes are growing louder: Rodgers could be the man to lead Forest into their next chapter.

What Happened?

Tension between Marinakis and Nuno has been simmering for months but boiled over in the past week. After a fiery press conference in which Nuno admitted his strained ties with the board, speculation about his future intensified. Those inside the club now expect the Portuguese tactician to be dismissed as early as next week.

Enter Brendan Rodgers, a figure admired by Marinakis and the Forest hierarchy. The Celtic boss has quietly emerged as the frontrunner for the role, with his Premier League pedigree making him an attractive option. Unlike other names linked — including the perennial rumour magnet Jose Mourinho — Rodgers ticks boxes for both ambition and pragmatism.

Al-Ahli v Celtic FC – Como Cup

The Bigger Picture: Why Rodgers?

Rodgers is entering the final year of his Celtic contract, a crucial detail in this saga. It means that if Forest make their move, compensation would not be a significant stumbling block. For Marinakis, who has long valued bold decisions, this creates the perfect opportunity.

Forest are preparing for a crucial campaign — both domestically and in Europe. Marinakis is said to be impatient with the lack of progress under Nuno and sees Rodgers as the figure to reshape the club’s long-term direction. Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to rebuild squads, Rodgers could represent a fresh start for a Forest side stuck between ambition and inconsistency.

Nuno Espirito Santo: A Short-Lived Tenure?

When Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed, there was a sense of optimism. His experience at Wolves and Tottenham suggested he could bring structure and identity to Forest. And in flashes, that promise was evident.

But cracks soon appeared. Nuno grew increasingly frustrated with the club’s transfer policy, feeling he was not given the tools to execute his vision. His thinly veiled criticism of the board — particularly over the lack of reinforcements — only accelerated the fallout.

Forest’s hierarchy viewed his comments as a public challenge to their authority, something Marinakis in particular has never tolerated lightly. As one source put it: “When a coach goes to war with the owner, there is only one winner — and it’s not the coach.”

Brendan Rodgers: A Tempting Return to England

For Rodgers, the potential move presents its own set of dilemmas. He is currently preparing Celtic for a vital Champions League qualifier on Tuesday. Walking away before such a crucial tie would be a seismic decision, one that could shape how Celtic’s season unfolds.

And yet, the lure of the Premier League is undeniable. Rodgers has always thrived in England, from his near-title-winning campaign with Liverpool to his success at Leicester, where he delivered an FA Cup and Community Shield. A return with Nottingham Forest offers him both a challenge and a platform: to re-establish himself as a top-level Premier League manager.

Evangelos Marinakis’ Influence

No story about Nottingham Forest is complete without mentioning Evangelos Marinakis. The Greek shipping magnate has a reputation for being a hands-on, decisive — some would say ruthless — owner. He demands results, both on and off the pitch, and is never shy about making bold moves when things aren’t going his way.

Marinakis’ pursuit of Rodgers reflects his ambition. He doesn’t just want Forest to survive in the Premier League; he wants them to thrive, to compete in Europe, and to restore some of the club’s lost prestige. Whether Rodgers is the man to deliver that remains to be seen, but the owner’s track record suggests he won’t hesitate to roll the dice.

What Next for Nottingham Forest?

The next week could prove decisive. Nuno’s dismissal now feels like a matter of when, not if. Once that domino falls, the focus will shift immediately to Rodgers.

The big question is timing. Will Rodgers leave Celtic in the middle of their European push? Or will Forest need to bide their time, perhaps waiting until later in the summer or even the winter to make the move?

If Rodgers does arrive, his task will be daunting. Forest remain a club in transition, with a passionate fanbase demanding progress and an owner unwilling to accept mediocrity. But Rodgers has been here before. He knows the Premier League landscape. He knows how to build a team capable of competing. And he knows how to handle the scrutiny that comes with high expectations.

Could There Be Alternatives?

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While Rodgers is clearly Marinakis’ preferred candidate, the managerial market is never simple. Other names — including Jose Mourinho and even whispers of a surprise return for Ange Postecoglou to Celtic if Rodgers departs — are part of the wider narrative.

But for now, Rodgers remains the leading contender. His combination of availability, experience, and style of play make him the most realistic option. Unless something dramatic shifts, all signs point toward Rodgers becoming the next man in the City Ground dugout.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Decision

The Evangelos Marinakis’ new favourite to replace Nuno Espirito Santo story is about more than just a managerial change. It’s about direction, ambition, and identity. Forest, a club with a glorious past, is desperate to carve out a sustainable future in the Premier League and beyond.

Rodgers may not be a universally popular choice, but he offers something vital: stability mixed with ambition. He’s proven he can build competitive sides, handle pressure, and deliver results in both domestic and European competition.

For Nuno, it looks like the end of the road in Nottingham. For Marinakis, it’s another bold move in his relentless pursuit of progress. And for Rodgers, it could be the beginning of a new chapter — one that could redefine both his career and the fortunes of Nottingham Forest.