“Nuno leaves fans in doubt as he Breaks Silence on future after Forest’s Crushing Chelsea Defeat. Is he leaving?
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest Future Uncertain After European Disappointment
Nuno Espirito Santo has refused to confirm his future at Nottingham Forest following the club’s failure to qualify for either the Champions League or Europa League, instead settling for a place in the UEFA Conference League.
Despite being in a strong position earlier in the season, Forest’s dip in form ultimately cost them a top-four finish.
On the final day of the Premier League season, Forest had a golden opportunity to secure fourth place with a win over Chelsea, especially with both Aston Villa and Newcastle suffering defeats.
However, a 1-0 home loss—sealed by Levi Colwill’s close-range strike—ended their hopes, fueling speculation that Nuno could be set to leave the club. The manager, though, chose not to address the rumors.
“This isn’t the moment to talk about me,” Nuno said after the match. “Now is the time to reflect and focus on the club’s future.”
Tensions had already been rising at the City Ground, especially after Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch following a recent draw with Leicester.
Former player and pundit Gary Neville publicly called for Nuno to resign, a move that led to his reported ban from the stadium by the club.
Forest later clarified that Marinakis’ frustration stemmed not from the result, but from the handling of striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury.
Awoniyi played on with an abdominal issue that later required emergency surgery, during which he was placed in a coma. He is now recovering.
Amid growing rumors linking Nuno with a move to Serie A club Roma—following Claudio Ranieri’s departure—the former Wolves and Tottenham manager remained tight-lipped.
“We’re in a good place,” Nuno told the BBC. “I want to thank the players for their effort and commitment. When you give everything, you can’t ask for more.”
Reflecting on the final match, he added, “We started well and controlled the game, but in the second half, we lost composure. The anxiety got to us. We had our chances, but it just didn’t happen today.
“There have been a lot of challenges this season, and while we always want to be better, sometimes things don’t go your way. I’m proud of the team and grateful for their dedication.”
