Nottingham Forest's manager Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis are preparing for a high-stakes meeting during the international break, aiming to resolve growing concerns about the club's transfer strategy and on-field performance. The Greek billionaire, who has been a central figure in Forest's resurgence to European competition, was spotted briefly on the pitchside at the City Ground after Sunday's unexpected 3-0 defeat to West Ham. While supporters offered a rare moment of applause for Marinakis, the fallout from the loss has intensified scrutiny on the relationship between the owner and the Portuguese coach.
Nuno's frustrations over the club's sluggish summer transfer activity have been well-documented, with the manager expressing worries about the squad's depth and cohesion. "It's not the ideal moment for discussion," Nuno admitted post-match, "but we must confront the current challenges. The focus now is on the team, and the performance was disheartening." Despite the setback, there is no indication of a rift between the two men, as both are seen as pivotal to Forest's revival after their 30-year absence from European competition.
The club has invested heavily this summer, including a record £150m spend on signings like Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, and Douglas Luiz on loan. However, lingering needs—such as a new goalkeeper and left-back—remain ahead of the transfer deadline. Nuno, who has emphasized the importance of pre-season preparation, is now adapting to a larger squad as Forest balances domestic and European commitments. "We need to ensure every player feels motivated," he stated, hinting at potential exits before Monday's deadline. "Only once the squad is finalized can we assess its strength."
Marinakis, who recently arrived in the UK for the Europa League draw, downplayed tensions, asserting, "Everything is solid. Our goal is Nottingham Forest's success, and we're united even in tough times." The owner's confidence contrasts with reports suggesting uncertainty over Nuno's position, fueled by his terse responses about sporting director Edu during a pre-match press conference. However, Nuno remains optimistic about his future, stating he expects to stay in charge after the break, with the focus now on addressing challenges head-on.
The defeat to West Ham, which exposed defensive vulnerabilities, has only underscored the urgency for improvement. While key summer signings like Dan Ndoye have yet to make a significant impact, fans continue to back Nuno, recognizing his role in guiding the club to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season. As Forest prepares for their European campaign, the coming weeks will test whether the owner and manager can align on a path forward for the club's ambitious trajectory.
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