Forest boss Nuno plans Marinakis talks after transfer issues

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo plans peace talks with the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis during the international break in a bid to heal the rift from their transfer row.

Nuno revealed before Forest’s draw at Crystal Palace last weekend that there had been a breakdown in his relationship with the volatile Marinakis.

The former Tottenham boss was critical of Forest’s transfer activity since the end of last season, with new sporting director Edu reportedly taking a more hands-on role in signings.

But Nuno said he has spoken to Marinakis over the phone to discuss the row and is confident reports that he could be sacked are wide of the mark.

“Yes, I think so. I don’t know how to answer that, but I think so,” the Portuguese coach told reporters on Friday.

“We didn’t have a chance this week. It was a tough week for both of us with a lot of work and the president is currently in Monaco (for the Europa League draw). We have to talk.

“These kinds of things should be done in the right moment, and the right moment is after the game. Now we are focused on West Ham, then we have the international break and I think that is the right moment.”

Nuno, who has been in charge at the City Ground since December 2023, led Forest to a seventh place finish in the Premier League last season.

That secured their first European berth in 30 years, with a Europa League place handed to Forest instead of their initial Conference League spot, after Crystal Palace’s demotion for breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

Insisting he and Marinakis had Forest’s best interests at heart, Nuno added: “Things are OK. We are working very hard to compete, this is what is really important. The talk will happen after the game.

“I’m totally relaxed in that sense. We need to have a talk about the future of the club, how we should address after the transfer market and all these things – what is the commitment to the club.

“Me and the president want the same thing. We want the best for Forest, that’s for sure.”