Nuno Espirito Santo is hoping for clear-the-air talks with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and sporting director Edu after a turbulent start to the season that has prompted speculation he could be sacked.
Forest secured a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace this afternoon, two days after reports that suggested Nuno’s future at the City Ground was under threat after he questioned the club’s ambition in the transfer market.
Forest fans sung Nuno’s name at Selhurst Park and the Portuguese was quick to dismiss a question that asked if he was trying to engineer a way out of the club.
Nuno – I love what I do
Speaking after the game at Selhurst Park, he said: “Absolute nonsense. Absurd. This narrative is absurd. I love what I do. The moment I don’t enjoy it, it is over.
“This is how football is. There are things I cannot control. What comes out, the sacking [rumour], I cannot control.
“What I said – and I had a long think about it – is my concern for the squad. Last season these boys achieved something fantastic. If we as a club don’t help them, in terms of numbers, quality and talent, everything will go.
“What we have ahead of us is Premier League, Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup. You know how many games this means for us? This is the respect we have to show to our squad and help them.”
Nuno wants talks
Former Wolves boss Nuno is hoping he can sit down with Marinakis and Edu this week in a bid to move forward together.
He added: “We are going to have them [talks]. We must, we must.
“What I think is we need to have these conversations, and we are going to have them. This is what I think is more important than anything. The players need it, the squad needs it, the club needs it, we need it. And we are going to have it.
“Everybody wants the best for Forest – me first. All the club wants the best for Forest.
“This is the first time in my career I am facing this situation and being asked these things. It is not helpful, but I believe conflict doesn’t work out. We have to create harmony.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s brilliant run and finish rescued a point for Forest after an Ismaila Sarr goal had put the home side in front.
