Next Nottingham Forest Manager: Mourinho New Favourite To Replace Nuno
Nottingham Forest are on the hunt for a new manager after sensationally sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, with Ange Postecoglou favourite for the job according to betting sites.
The 51-year-old, who was handed a new contract this summer after guiding Forest to the Europa League, said in August his relationship with co-owner Evangelos Marinakis was "not the same" and "not so good as it was".
It followed Nuno's open criticism of the senior figures at Forest overseeing their transfer strategy, saying his squad was "unbalanced" and "very, very far" from being ready for the new season.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 9, Forest said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espírito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach.”
Following Nuno's departure, football betting sites have drawn up a list of possible replacements as the next Nottingham Forest manager.
Postecoglou Well Placed For Role
Postecoglou has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in June, shortly after ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware with Europa League success.
Renowned for his attacking, possession-based approach, he has consistently brought energy and progress to the teams he has managed.
Those qualities could attract Nottingham Forest’s hierarchy, who are eager for ambition and a clear identity, and Postecoglou is well used to scrutiny and managing major squad turnover.
While his salary demands and desire for influence may be significant, his availability, record and recent achievements make him a natural subject of speculation.
He is currently the 1/4 favourite to become the next Forest manager.
Mourinho On The Market
Jose Mourinho parted ways with Fenerbahce just days after the Turkish club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The 62-year-old, who took charge in June 2023, saw his side beaten by Benfica in the play-off round.
The club announced his departure on X and Instagram, thanking him for his efforts and wishing him success for the future.
A two-time Champions League winner, Mourinho built a glittering CV with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but recent years have seen his standing in the game diminish.
Although he has spoken of an ambition to work in international football, he is currently 6/1 second favourite with betting apps for the Nottingham Forest job.
Next Nottingham Forest Manager Odds:
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Ange Postecoglou | 1/4 | 80% |
Jose Mourinho | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Marco Silva | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Oliver Glasner | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Mauricio Pochettino | 18/1 | 5.3% |
Brendan Rodgers | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Thiago Motta | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Sean Dyche | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Silva's Earned His Opportunity
Fulham came close to securing a top-half Premier League spot last season and also reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, reflecting the progress made under Marco Silva.
The 48-year-old is reportedly unsettled at Craven Cottage and considering his future with the west London club.
Forest owner Marinakis, said to admire the former Olympiacos coach, could view him as a strong candidate should he look to make a change.
Silva, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is currently 10/1 to become Nottingham Forest’s next manager.
Glasner Open To New Challenge?
Oliver Glasner has reinforced his reputation as a top-level coach, guiding Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory before lifting the FA Cup with Crystal Palace.
Yet uncertainty is growing at Selhurst Park, with limited arrivals and several departures sparking fears that he may already have taken Palace as far as he can.
Despite securing Europa Conference League football, Glasner’s contract runs out at the end of the season, leaving him potentially open to a fresh challenge.
With Forest competing in both Europe and the Premier League, Glasner is currently priced at 16/1 to succeed Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
Poch Set For Prem Return?
Mauricio Pochettino's name is often associated with a Premier League return.
The former Tottenham head coach famously led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, where they were defeated by Liverpool.
He is currently in charge of the United States national team and, with a home World Cup approaching next summer, might not be in a hurry to rejoin club management just yet.
The 53-year-old is an 18/1 chance for the vacant Forest role.
Rodgers In The Running
Brendan Rodgers has faced criticism after Celtic missed out on Champions League qualification, while frustration over limited recruitment has also fuelled gossip about his future.
Rodgers is in his second spell at Celtic, having left for Leicester City in 2019. His mid-season departure then drew fierce criticism, which lingered when he returned in 2023.
Another opportunity to exit mid-season could now arise, with Marinakis reported to view him as a contender, and Rodgers is 20/1 to be the next Forest manager.
Elsewhere, Thiago Silva, who lasted just nine months at Juventus before being sacked in March, and former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche are both 25/1.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
Who would you like to see in the Forest dugout next? Let us know in the comments below.
