Nottingham Forest Boss Nuno Santos hits back at Gary Neville exit rank after Evangelos Marinakis incident
Nuno Espirito Santo has responded to Gary Neville’s suggestion he should “negotiate his exit” after being confronted by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis on the City Ground pitch.
Marinakis appeared to remonstrate with Nuno in full view of the TV cameras after the full-time whistle had blown on the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Leicester City. It was a result which guaranteed the club will be playing in Europe next season but which dealt a blow to their hopes of that being in the Champions League.
Posting on X, pundit Neville said the Greek businessman’s behaviour was “scandalous” and indicated Nuno should react by walking away. But the Forest head coach says the incident was over a moment of miscommunication regarding an injury to Taiwo Awoniyi late on in the game.
“I am not going to comment too much,” Nuno said when asked about Neville’s comment. “I have huge respect for Gary Neville, he is the coach who replaced me when I was sacked at Valencia so he was a coach himself.
“He knows what it is like to be on the touchline. All the rest, please allow me… I do not want to proceed about the future.
“We are too disappointed today. I have a dressing room with young boys who, through this season, made a big effort. We are tired. We are battered. You can see the end of the game… this is what I will take home today.
“How can I find better solutions for the players? How can I help them?”
On Marinakis, Neville had posted on social media: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”
In the final minutes against the Foxes Awoniyi hurt himself when he crashed into a post. There was confusion over whether the striker would be able to continue, and although he did carry on he was clearly struggling. The incident led to the angry scenes involving Marinakis.
“Unfortunately we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less. T gave it a go but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team,” Nuno explained.
“There was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department. We had the heads up to make a sub, then T tried but he could not.
“Disappointment and frustration of course. But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us. He wants us to be better.”
