Next Nottingham Forest Manager: Mourinho New Favourite To Replace Nuno
Jose Mourinho is the new favourite with betting sites to become Nottingham Forest’s next manager amid growing uncertainty over the future of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Reports suggest Forest’s hierarchy are considering alternatives following tension between Nuno and owner Evangelos Marinakis, with the “Special One” strongly linked to the role.
The 51-year-old recently claimed his relationship with Marinakis had “changed” and added there was “no smoke without fire” - remarks that fuelled further speculation about his position.
However, after Forest’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, Nuno dismissed talk of a departure as “nonsense” and “absurd”.
He recently declined to confirm whether he would remain beyond September 1, with further discussions expected between Marinakis and Edu, the club’s global head of football, regarding transfers.
Asked if he would be manager at the end of the summer transfer window, Nuno said: "I cannot answer that question.
"I am working and trying to do my job the best I can. I have had good conversations with Marinakis and Edu, to provide a good platform for the team."
If Forest do decide to make a switch, football betting sites have already drawn up a list of possible replacements.
Mourinho On The Market
Mourinho left his role as coach of Fenerbahce two 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.
Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner, has enjoyed trophy-winning spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but his reputation has waned.
Although he has spoken of an ambition to work in international football, he is currently 6/4 favourite with betting apps for the Nottingham Forest job.
Postecoglou Well Placed
Ange Postecoglou has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in June, shortly after guiding the club to a first trophy in 17 years with Europa League success.
His preference for attacking football built on possession has brought quick progress and renewed energy to teams throughout his career.
Such qualities may appeal to Forest’s hierarchy, who are seeking both ambition and a clear identity, and he is accustomed to working under scrutiny and significant squad changes.
Although he would command a high salary and expect influence, his track record, availability and recent achievements make speculation around him unsurprising.
Postecoglou is 7/4 in the next Nottingham Forest manager market.
Next Nottingham Forest Manager Odds:
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Jose Mourinho | 6/4 | 40% |
Ange Postecoglou | 7/4 | 36.4% |
Brendan Rodgers | 4/1 | 20% |
Sean Dyche | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Oliver Glasner | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Pedro Martins | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Kasper Hjulmand | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Rodgers Rated Highly
Brendan Rodgers is the third favourite to replace Espirito Santo as Nottingham Forest manager, with speculation mounting over the Portuguese’s future.
The Celtic boss has faced criticism after the club missed out on Champions League qualification, while his contract runs until next year. Frustration over limited recruitment has also fuelled gossip.
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 leading contender. Rodgers is 4/1 to be the next Forest manager.
Dyche Could Decide Time Is Right
Sean Dyche is keen to prove he can still succeed at the highest level – and Forest could provide that platform.
He oversaw Burnley’s rise with two promotions to the Premier League and led them to seventh place in 2018, earning a Europa League spot.
At Everton, he underlined his resilience by preserving their top-flight status in 2024 despite several points deductions.
Since leaving the club in January, Dyche has been out of work but may see Forest as a chance to re-establish himself, and he is 6/1 for the role.
Glasner Open To New Challenge?
Oliver Glasner has underlined his coaching credentials by winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and then the FA Cup with Crystal Palace.
However, tensions could be rising at Selhurst Park, with limited signings and a number of departures raising concern he may have taken Palace as far as possible.
Despite Palace qualifying for the Europa Conference League, his contract is up at the end of the season, which could make him more receptive to a new challenge.
With Forest aiming to progress in Europe and the Premier League, Glasner is 8/1 to replace Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
Martins Knows Marinakis
Pedro Martins is currently in charge of Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa, although he probably feels he deserves better.
He enjoyed considerable success at Olympiakos, also owned by Marinakis, guiding them to three consecutive Greek Super League titles between 2019 and 2022.
His tenure ended following a 4-0 defeat to Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League qualifiers in August 2022.
Martins was reportedly among the leading candidates to replace Steve Cooper before Espirito Santo’s appointment and he is now 10/1 for the job this time around.
Ole Among Outsiders
The former Manchester United and Cardiff boss was dismissed just hours after a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Lausanne, and is priced at 16/1 to take over at Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Kasper Hjulmand – who stepped down as Denmark head coach after Euro 2024 – is currently out of work and can be backed at 20/1.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
