Nottingham Forest are just three months removed from their best league finish in 30 years. The City Ground is a month away from its first season participating in European football since the era of Stuart Pearce, Bryan Roy, and a Haaland (not that one). Last season, their head coach achieved a top division winning streak longer than even Brian Clough’s record. Currently, they find themselves in fifth place in what is likely the most critical stage of the Premier League.

Despite this, Nuno Espirito Santo found himself addressing speculation about his future on Friday, following claims that owner Evangelos Marinakis may be contemplating his removal. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” he remarked, igniting concerns over his position. “But I’m here to do my job. I’m the first one to be worried. I understand, because I’m concerned about the team’s future.”

Nuno has acknowledged the shift in his relationship with Marinakis, stating: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season we were very close, almost daily. This season, however, not so much, but I believe in maintaining dialogue. My focus is on the squad and the upcoming season.”

In recent weeks, Forest has invested around $125 million in players, including English attacking midfielders Omari Hutchison and James McAtee, along with French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo. Veteran midfielder Douglas Luiz has also joined on loan, and there are plans to enhance the right-back position, with Matty Cash linked back to the club.

However, Nuno expressed uncertainty about the current state of his relationship with the ownership, highlighting previous tensions, including an incident last May where Marinakis reportedly confronted him after a crucial match against Leicester. This moment was later termed as “fake news” by the club, yet it cast a long shadow over Nuno’s leadership.

As Nottingham Forest navigates these challenges, the introduction of Edu Gaspar as a new Global Head of Football has placed him between Nuno and Marinakis, amplifying uncertainties about the head coach’s future. Just two weeks into the season, discussions surrounding a potential change in leadership seem highly plausible.