Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo dismisses exit speculation as absurd

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has rubbished suggestions that he is looking to walk away from the Premier League club, describing rumours around his future as "absurd" after his side's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Speculation intensified on Friday when Nuno admitted his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated, claiming it was no longer built on trust. The comments raised doubts over his long-term commitment at the City Ground, but the Portuguese coach moved quickly to clarify his stance.

"Absolute nonsense. Absurd. This narrative, it's absurd," Nuno told reporters. "We are focused on the game and that is more important. Make sure that the players are ready. This game is going to be very tough."

When asked directly by Sky Sports if he was manoeuvring behind the scenes to secure an exit, Nuno was emphatic: "That doesn't make any kind of sense. Of course I want to stay."

The 50-year-old confirmed he has already held talks with Marinakis and new global head of football Edu regarding transfer plans. "Yes, that's what we need to do and we're going to do it," he said.

Despite his strong denials, Nuno's remarks about his strained relationship with Marinakis earlier in the week had surprised many at the club. He had openly admitted that while the pair spoke "almost daily" last season, their bond had cooled in recent months.

"Our relationship has changed," he said on Friday. "It's not so close, it's not on a daily basis. It's not good. I think everybody at the club should be together but it's not the reality."

The change has coincided with the arrival of Edu, who has been tasked with overseeing recruitment across Marinakis's multi-club network. Reports suggest disagreements over transfer strategy have led to tension, with Nuno concerned about a reduced role in player signings.

This is not the first flashpoint between owner and manager. Last season, Marinakis stormed onto the City Ground pitch after a 2-2 draw with Leicester City to confront Nuno, though the club later downplayed the incident as concern for striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Nevertheless, Marinakis has shown financial backing, sanctioning over 100 million in signings this summer, including Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz.

Looking ahead, Nuno insisted his focus remains on the pitch rather than off-field politics. "Of course, the situation has to be solved and we are responsible people. We can have a good conversation to create a good platform for what is more important - the team," he said.

Forest are currently fourth in the Premier League table with four points from their opening two matches. They next face West Ham United.