Premier League manager unceremoniously SACKED after just three matches

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 9 Sep 2025 03:43 CDT
• 2 min read

News

Nottingham Forest have confirmed that they have sacked manager Nuno Espirito Santo after just three Premier League games in the 2025/26 campaign.

Fabrizio Romano revealed late on Monday that Forest were on the brink of dismissing the coach, and the club itself announced the sack in the early hours of the morning.

It follows weeks of tensions between Nuno and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, as well as a rocky start to the season.

Nuno sacked by Nottingham Forest

"Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach," a club statement read.

"The Club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at The City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the Club.

"As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey."

Nuno becomes the first coach of the new Premier League season to be sacked.

The Portuguese had been vocal in his criticism of the board at the City Ground for failing to act quickly in the transfer window.

Speaking to Sky Sports before the season started, he said: “We are very far - very, very far - from where we should be. We are very far in terms of preparation, in terms of planning, in terms of the squad.

“So we are all very worried that in two or three days time we are playing for the Premier League, the most demanding competition in the world. And we are very far. Very, very far.”

This outburst led to a further deterioration of his relationship with Marinakis, which had already come to a head at the end of last season.

"I always had a very good relationship with the owner. Last season was very, very, very close, almost [on a] daily basis," he admitted recently.

"This season, not so well. But I always believe that dialogue, and what you say or your opinions, are always valid. My concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us.

"Our relationship has changed. It's not so close. It's not on a daily basis. No, it's not good. I think everyone at the club should be together, but it's not the reality."

Romano says there are three candidates to replace Nuno, including former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.

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