AliousNuno Espirito Santo Caught in Public Clash with Forest Owner Marinakis but Future Remains Intact
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was reportedly left feeling humiliated after a public confrontation with club owner Evangelos Marinakis following the team’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground.
Eyebrows were raised when footage emerged showing Marinakis engaging in a heated on-pitch exchange with Nuno after the final whistle. While fans feared the outburst might signal the end of Nuno’s tenure, sources close to the club—including respected former Manchester United scout Mick Brown—have clarified that his job is not under immediate threat.
Speaking to *Football Insider*, Brown described the owner’s behavior as “embarrassing” and “out of order,” stating that it put both the manager and club in an awkward position. “There’s absolutely no excuse for storming onto the pitch. It looked like he was questioning Nuno, and that should never happen publicly,” Brown said. “Even if there was frustration over the situation with Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury, that wasn’t the right way to express it.”
Marinakis later released a statement explaining his reaction was driven by concern over Awoniyi’s condition—who had to be hospitalized after continuing to play despite being visibly unfit. He insisted his actions were a display of passion and that he remained firmly behind Nuno and the squad.
Despite the public fallout, Forest’s hierarchy reportedly remains committed to retaining Nuno and is keen for him to extend his contract. The manager continues to enjoy strong support from key figures within the club.
Looking ahead, Forest is already eyeing reinforcements for the summer, with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott emerging as a potential transfer target. Sources suggest the club could move for the midfielder if Manchester City make a formal offer for Morgan Gibbs-White. Although Elliott isn’t a direct replacement, his attacking prowess could help fill the creative void if Gibbs-White departs.
While the Marinakis-Nuno bust-up briefly sparked fears of instability, Forest appears set to move forward united, with both men aligned on strengthening the team and pushing higher in the Premier League next season.
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