Nottingham Forest’s move to swap Nuno Espírito Santo with Ange Postecoglou has caused plenty of conversation, with Nuno’s inner circle now revealing interesting details about the buildup.
Espírito Santo was dismissed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with Postecoglou immediately linked with the Forest job in the aftermath.
Those links quickly became official when Forest announced Postecoglou as the new head coach, an announcement that didn’t come as a surprise given the pre-existing relationship between Postecoglou and Evangelos Marinakis.
This relationship is seemingly at the heart of why such a quick decision was made, but a fresh report has detailed that those close to Nuno feel that Postecoglou’s appointment to the Forest job was much longer in the making.
Nuno’s inner circle felt Ange Postecoglou’s arrival was inevitable
It was clear from Neco Williams’ tribute to Espírito Santo that the squad hold no ill feelings towards the former head coach, potentially making Postecoglou’s opening few weeks in the role more complicated as he attempts to win the players over.
However, the relationship between Nuno and the club hierarchy may be more damaged, with a report from The Athletic detailing how unsafe the Portuguese manager’s job felt this season.
The report said: “Against that kind of backdrop [Marinakis and Postecoglou’s friendship], it might explain why Nuno was, according to his inner circle, absolutely convinced that Postecoglou was being lined up to replace him even before a ball had been kicked this season.
“People close to Nuno, speaking anonymously like others in this article to protect working relationships, have told The Athletic that his belief is that it was decided a month ago.”
Amid the drama of his deteriorated relationship with Edu, it makes sense that Nuno would be looking over his shoulder, with the availability of his eventual successor putting his job at risk throughout.
Whether Marinakis was planning ahead with the Postecoglou appointment is to be determined, but his admiration for his new head coach was no secret.
Evangelos Marinakis’ admiration for Ange Postecoglou is clear
Marinakis was furious about Nuno’s public criticisms, which formed a major part of why he felt the change was necessary.
If Nuno’s inner circle is right, though, their case is certainly strengthened by the Forest owner’s personal admiration for Postecoglou.
Graeme Bailey exclusively told Nottingham Forest News: “I think it’s a dream appointment for Marinakis. He sees Postecoglou as an all-time footballing legend for what he’s done for Australian and Greek football.
“Marinakis didn’t think he’d leave Spurs, so the chance to get him, I think it’s just too good for him to turn down.”
The Reds supporters may well be disappointed to see how the Nuno era has ended, but it’s clear that the club’s hierarchy are excited about their future with Ange Postecoglou.
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