Nuno Espírito Santo could not guarantee that he will remain as Nottingham Forest’s manager after the end of the transfer window as he prepares to meet with the owner, Evangelos Marinakis, this week to resolve their differences.
Nuno is believed to have fallen out with Marinakis and sporting director, Edu, over transfers and revealed on Friday that his relationship with the Greek owner has suffered this season. He is due to meet both in the coming days, although the Forest manager insisted that he has no intention of walking out.
“This narrative is absurd,” Nuno said after Callum Hudson-Odoi’s equaliser ensured Forest made it 10 league games without defeat against Crystal Palace as they survived a cauldron of noise created by the home supporters still seething at their demotion from the Europa League.
However, asked whether he is confident of still being Forest manager after this month, he said: “I cannot answer that question, but what I know is that I’m working and trying to do my job the best that I can. Of course the situation has to be solved and we are responsible players and we’re going to have a good conversation to try to create more than anything a good platform for what is more important, the team.”
Marinakis, who has been blamed by Palace for his role in the decision after Forest wrote to Uefa urging them to investigate whether their Premier League rivals had breached multi-club ownership regulations, did not attend the 1-1 draw where a banner was unveiled midway through the first half which took aim at the Greek billionaire. Edu was at Selhurst Park as Nuno brought four new signings off the bench in the second half but admitted he would like to bring in more players before the window closes.
“I believe so,” he responded when asked if he can repair his relationship with Marinakis. “Everybody wants the best for Forest. Me first, the president first and all the club wants the best for Forest. And I always, during my career, I think it’s the first time that I’m facing a situation and being asked these things. It’s not helpful, but I believe work with conflict doesn’t work out. What we did last season together will stick forever in our memories. This is the responsibility that we have to our club. Ignore the noise and work hard.”
Oliver Glasner is also desperate for investment in Palace’s squad after Eberechi Eze’s club record sale to Arsenal and he seemed hopeful that they will get their business completed in time after new American billionaire co-owner Woody Johnson was spotted mingling with fans before the game.
“I don’t talk about the players we are looking for because it just makes it more expensive. It’s pretty clear what we need,” he said. “We are competing in four competitions this season and if you lose one of your top stars who had 14 goals and 12 assists [last season] then it’s pretty clear we need to replace him with a starter. This is what we are looking for and I’m pretty sure we will get it done.”
The Football Association is to investigate a banner depicting Marinakis that was displayed by Crystal Palace fans in the Holmesdale End during the first half.
