It felt like it was destined to happen. Simply inevitable. After that scandalous statement from Nuno Santo, it was only a matter of time before the first managerial scalp of the season fell. But how did it all begin?

The Beginning of the End

It probably started after that goalless draw with Leicester back in April. With eight games left in the season, Forest lost four and drew one. Home defeats to Brentford and Everton were especially disappointing. But the draw against already-relegated Leicester seemed to hammer the final nail in the coffin.

Forest had a solid lead over their closest rivals but threw it away. The truth is, finishing 7th in the final standings didn’t reflect what the team had shown throughout the season, nor the progress Nottingham had been making.

A Vision for Long-Term Growth

Everyone knows about the big ambition of Forest’s owner. After heavy investment in recent years, qualifying for Europe should have been considered a major success. But Marinakis wants more. He wants a team that is both attractive and successful in the long run.

Nuno Santo’s style, however, was a little too cautious and pragmatic. Nottingham has the potential and financial power to build a stable side for the future. With potential sanctions looming over Manchester City, ongoing issues at United, and a Spurs team stuck in constant managerial changes, there is a real chance for Forest to establish themselves among the Premier League’s elite in the coming years. Marinakis doesn’t want to miss that opportunity.

The New Structure

The appointment of Edu Gaspar in a senior role only added fuel to the fire. A comment Nuno made during the summer transfer window revealed his frustration and hinted at a possible breakdown in their relationship.

It wasn’t the first time Edu had been in such a situation. Just months earlier, he left Arsenal at a surprising moment. Everything looked perfect for the Gunners, and their big chance was within reach. Edu was supposed to finish the job and help build a title-winning squad, but instead, a clash with Mikel Arteta ended their partnership. Now, the situation feels eerily similar.

What’s Next?

The successor to Nuno Santo is already clear — Ange Postecoglou. A man who went through a similar fate just months earlier. Both managers achieved great success with their teams, only to be shown the door.

Now it’s time for Nottingham Forest to open a new chapter in their story — one that’s even more Greek, and perhaps even more mythical, than before.