Evangelos Marinakis’ involvement at Nottingham Forest has been altered with the prospect of European Football, but one explanation should give fans clarity.
Marinakis suspended control of Forest in recent weeks to comply with UEFA rulings, which would prevent the Greek businessman from controlling two sides in the same European competition.
Ever since it was confirmed that the Premier League would have five Champions League spots, this restructuring has been in the works, with Olympiacos always likely to qualify for the competition and Forest in a position to join them.
However, with Forest’s Champions League hopes taking a hit in recent weeks, the need for the change has been doubted, but a fresh update on Marinakis’ plans has cleared up any confusion.
Evangelos Marinakis update explains Nottingham Forest future
Summer transfer plans are already underway as all suggestions point to Forest’s plan to spend big on transfers, even if Champions League qualification isn’t secured.
Missing out on the Champions League also has the potential to change Marinakis’ role at the City Ground once again, as explained by a recent Sky Sports report.
The report said: “It’s now clear that if Forest don’t make the Champions League, Marinakis will take full control of the club again.
“Last month, he was forced to relinquish any influence over Nottingham Forest so as to avoid breaching UEFA’s rules, which forbid one single person having dominant control over two teams in the same European competition.
“Olympiacos have confirmed their place in the league phase of the Champions League for next season, but if Forest now fall short, the Greek billionaire will return immediately to be the decision-making talisman at the City Ground.”
As the report stated, Olympiacos’ Champions League fate is already decided after they won the Greek Super League on Monday. It would be a remarkable achievement if Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest could join them in the competition, but Marinakis’ ambition means he sees things slightly differently.
Evangelos Marinakis’ ambition is on show with ‘impatient’ claim
Jim White was in awe of Marinakis’ drive when speaking to the Forest owner back when promotion to the Premier League was achieved, a stepping stone in what the report details is his grand vision for the club.
The report continued: “There is undoubtedly a wider sense around the club and fanbase that Forest have over-achieved this season (a season boosted by many of the ‘big’ clubs floundering, such as Manchester United, Tottenham and even Manchester City). But that is not the owner’s view.
“He is impatient for success. And whether his team make the Champions League this season or not, that is his target for next season for sure.
“He will expect it and will plan for that eventuality because he expects progress every year. And if Forest make the Europa League, he will expect his side to be in the mix to win that trophy instead.”
Some pundits, such as Simon Jordan, suggested that Forest would be happier in the Europa League, but Marinakis’ passion for success wouldn’t match this. Whatever happens at the end of this season, Espirito Santo must be ready to better it when the next campaign comes around to match his owner’s belief.
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