Nuno’s Forest Adventure: Can the former Wolves and Spurs boss save the struggling Reds?
Nuno Espirito Santo is Nottingham Forest’s new head coach; Forest sacked Steve Cooper on Tuesday after a run of just one win in 13 matches to leave them five points above the relegation zone; this is Nuno’s first job since being sacked by Al Ittihad in November
The Reds parted ways with Steve Cooper on Tuesday, following a dismal run of form that saw them win only one of their last 13 matches and languish in 17th place, just five points above the bottom three.
Nuno, who was sacked by Saudi Arabia club Al Ittihad in November, faces a tough challenge to turn things around at the City Ground, where he will be expected to implement his attacking and high-pressing style of play.
The 49-year-old has a proven track record of success in England, having led Wolves from the second tier to the Europa League quarter-finals in four years between 2017 and 2021. He also had a brief stint at Tottenham, where he started well but was dismissed after only three months following a poor run of results and fan discontent.
Nuno said he was delighted to join Forest and thanked the club’s owners for their trust and support. He also expressed his admiration for the club’s history and fan base, and vowed to work hard to bring them joy and success.
“I am very happy and proud to be the new head coach of Nottingham Forest. It is a great honour and a privilege to be part of this historic club, with such a rich tradition and passionate supporters,” he said.
“I want to thank the owners for their confidence and backing, and I am looking forward to working with the players, the staff, and the fans to achieve our goals, I know the challenges ahead, but I am ready for them. I have a clear vision of how I want the team to play and I will do my best to make it happen.”
He added: “Nottingham Forest is a club that deserves to be at the highest level of English football, and I will do everything in my power to make that happen. I am aware of the club’s history and the legacy of the great Brian Clough, and I want to honour that. I also want to create a strong connection with the fans, who are the heart and soul of this club. Together, we can make Forest a force to be reckoned with again.”
Forest chairman Nicholas Randall QC welcomed Nuno to the club and praised his credentials and experience. He also thanked Cooper for his efforts and wished him well for the future.
“We are delighted to have Nuno as our new head coach. He is a highly respected and successful manager, who has worked at the highest level of the game. He has a clear philosophy and a winning mentality, and we believe he is the right man to take this club forward,” he said.
“We would also like to thank Steve Cooper for his contribution and dedication during his time with us. He is a talented coach and a good person, and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
