Nuno Espirito Santo speaks out after Nottingham Forest sack reports

Nuno Espirito Santo admits his relationship with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is ‘not as close’.

Reports emerged on Friday suggesting that Forest are considering sacking Nuno with former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou among the candidates to take over.

Forest have not indicated that a change in manager is imminent, however, Nuno did little to play down speculation over his future by admitting that his relationship with Marinakis has worsened.

‘I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season we were very close and almost a daily basis,’ Nuno said during his press conference on Friday.

‘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.’

Asked if it was good his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis had changed, Nuno replied: ‘No, it is not good.

‘I think everybody at the club should be together but this not the reality.’

When asked what has caused the change, Nuno said: ‘I don’t know exactly but I’m being honest with you, it is not the same. The reason behind it I do not know.

‘What I said last week or two weeks ago was my concern and why I was worried because my job is to anticipate what is coming ahead of us.

‘What I said, I said it with respect. The reality is that [the relationship] is not what is use to be. It was a respectful relationship, it was more based on trust and sharing opinions, and now it is not so good.’

Asked if the relationship can continue, Nuno said: ‘I hope so but I don’t know, that I cannot answer.

‘On my side I am doing whatever I can to help Forest, my commitment is something [that I see] and I feel it.’

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