Jose Mourinho could be set to make shock Premier League return

Mourinho Linked With Nottingham Forest Amid Nuno Uncertainty

Reports from TeamTalk have thrown Nottingham Forest’s managerial future into the spotlight, with claims that Jose Mourinho could be a shock contender to replace Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese coach’s position is under scrutiny despite Forest’s 3-1 victory over Brentford last weekend.

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Nuno’s Strained Relationship with Forest Hierarchy

The speculation centres on Nuno’s fractured relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis and Forest’s Global Head of Football, Edu. Nuno himself admitted:

“There is no smoke without fire – I know how things work.”

He went on to add:

“This season, not so well – our relations have changed. The reality is that it’s not what it used to be. It used to be a good, respectful relationship, based more on trust and sharing opinions, and now it’s not so good.”

This candid admission has only fuelled speculation that his tenure may be nearing its end.

Mourinho, Rodgers and Postecoglou on Shortlist

According to TeamTalk, Mourinho is being considered as a potential replacement, with the report noting he has been “tipped to return to the English game”. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs manager, currently at Fenerbahce, remains one of football’s most decorated coaches with 26 major trophies to his name.

Other names in the frame include Brendan Rodgers, who guided Celtic to the Scottish Premiership last season, and Ange Postecoglou, recently dismissed by Tottenham despite Europa League success. TeamTalk reporter Fraser Fletcher confirmed both men are admired by Forest’s board.

Nuno’s Position Far from Secure

Journalist Ben Jacobs stressed the precarious nature of Nuno’s role:

“As of Friday night, Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to take charge of Nottingham Forest’s game against Crystal Palace on Sunday. But, his position as manager is by no means safe.”

The fallout reportedly stems from disagreements over recruitment strategy, including frustration at missing out on Adama Traore.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest fan’s perspective, these reports will divide opinion sharply. On one hand, Nuno brought stability and results last season, ensuring Forest not only survived but looked thrived qualifying for Europe! The win over Brentford was a reminder that the players are still performing for him. Many fans may feel it is harsh to consider his removal after just a few months of turbulence.

However, the comments about his strained relationship with Edu and Marinakis are concerning. For a club like Forest, unity between the boardroom and the dugout is vital. If Nuno feels undermined, that tension inevitably trickles down to the squad. Fans will remember how previous managerial instability left the team drifting, and the fear is history repeating itself.

The mention of Mourinho is a headline-grabber, but is it realistic? His reputation is enormous, but so is the baggage. Some supporters would relish his experience, while others might worry about his confrontational style clashing with Forest’s current hierarchy. Rodgers and Postecoglou, meanwhile, might represent safer long-term options.

Ultimately, many Forest fans will see this as unnecessary disruption ahead of an important season where European football and domestic stability must balance. Unless results nosedive, the sense is that Nuno deserves more time. Yet if the relationship with Marinakis and Edu is truly broken, supporters know that no amount of recent wins will save him.