Nottingham Forest has decided to part ways with manager Steve Cooper following a string of disappointing results, with talks already underway to bring in former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo as his replacement.
Cooper received the news of his sacking on Tuesday after Forest’s recent struggles, losing five of their last six games and securing only one win in the past 13 Premier League matches. The decision, although supported by the fanbase, reflects the growing concern of owner Evangelos Marinakis regarding the club’s trajectory.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who led Al-Ittihad to the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League title and the 2022 Saudi Super Cup, is a prime candidate for the managerial position. The Portuguese coach, formerly with Wolves, is set to fly into the UK from Portugal for formal discussions.
Marinakis is cognizant of the fans’ fondness for Cooper, credited with bringing Forest back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence. However, concerns have arisen about Cooper’s commitment to the ongoing project, prompting the need for fresh ideas and leadership.
Nuno, having left Al-Ittihad in November, seeks a return to the Premier League, believing his reputation was unfairly tainted during his brief tenure with Tottenham. His successful tenure at Wolves, securing promotion from the Championship and consecutive seventh-place Premier League finishes, makes him an attractive option for Nottingham Forest.
While other candidates, such as Julen Lopetegui and Oliver Glasner, have been considered, initial talks with Nuno have reportedly been positive. Forest’s ownership is keen on revitalizing the team’s performance, especially after significant squad investment in the past year.
The change comes ahead of challenging fixtures for Nottingham Forest, currently sitting 17th in the Premier League. The upcoming matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Manchester United will be crucial in determining the impact of the managerial shift on the team’s performance.
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