ANGE POSTECOGLOU is set to be the next Nottingham Forest boss after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked on Monday night.
Nuno became the first Premier League manager to be dismissed this season when Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis made the decision to sack him after just three games.
Now, according to The Telegraph, Marinakis has made former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou his number one target to replace Nuno in the dugout at the City Ground.
Postecoglou, who was sacked by Tottenham this summer despite winning their first trophy in 17 years, could even be in charge in time for Forest’s visit to Arsenal this Saturday.
It’s claimed that a deal is imminent, with Marinakis keen to get his side playing the attacking style of football Postecoglou became known for during his time with Spurs.
The Australian – who was born in Greece but grew up in Melbourne – was both praised and criticised for refusing to back down from his open style of play while in North London.
While Nuno found so much success in charge of Forest last term playing a defensively solid counter-attacking style.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who also managed Spurs prior to taking charge of Forest, guided Nottingham Forest to their highest league finish in 30 years last term – helping them qualify for European competition.
However, his relationship with owner Marinakis and new global head of football Edu Gaspar quickly turned sour this summer.
Nuno, 51, only signed a new three-year deal to stay at the City Ground on June 21.
But just a month later he admitted his relationship with Marinakis was “not good” in an incendiary press conference.
He addressed rumours his job was at risk by admitting: “There is no smoke without fire – I know how things work.”
Nuno added: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis.
“This season it is not so well, but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close.”
It is thought the breakdown in the relationship was caused by a rift between Nuno and Edu – the ex-Arsenal technical director who joined this summer.
But cracks appeared back in May when Marinakis stormed the pitch and appeared to remonstrate with Nuno after a 2-2 draw with relegated Leicester dented their Champions League hopes.
Forest’s first three Premier League games this season have been mixed, with an impressive opening day win over Brentford followed by a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
While last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat to West Ham appeared to be the final nail in the coffin for Nuno.
A statement released by the club last night read: “Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
“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.”
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