Ange Postecoglou closes in on Premier League return as coach sacked in shock move

Nottingham Forest have parted ways with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, possibly paving the way for Ange Postecoglou to return to the English Premier League, according to multiple reports.

The news broke on Tuesday morning AEST and comes after Nuno’s relationship with Forest owner Angelos Marinikas had deteriorated over time.

Nuno’s departures comes just three games into the new Premier League season, with Forest collecting four points from those outings.

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It also comes before their first Europa League game, which will be away against Spanish side Real Betis later this month.

Nuno delivered the two-time European champions continental football for the first time since 1996 with a seventh-place finish last season, and is no doubt feel hard done by.

But the owner always wins out when there is a rift between them and the manager, something Postecoglou knows well from his Tottenham exit.

Nuno and Marinikas clashed pitch side after a match late last season, and reportedly, their relationship only got worse behind the scenes in recent months.

Marinikas is a big fan of Postecoglou, however.

The Greek businessman, who earned his fortune in the shipping industry, showered the Greek-born Australian in praise earlier this year when presenting him with an award in Greece following his Europa League triumph with Tottenham.

“What I want to say about Ange is that he has spoken about Greece many times, he is proud to be Greek and in the great success he had with Tottenham by winning the Europa League, he spoke about Greece,” Marinakis said.

“A man who not only does not hide his origin but is also proud of it.

“What he achieved, he did with a team that has not won any titles, it has had a very difficult time in recent years. In this huge success that the whole world saw, he promoted Greece.

“We must thank him especially for this and we wish him well, although we are sure that he will do well as he has the ability.

“Wherever he goes, the successes will come.”

Postecoglou landing in Nottingham would give the Australian a shot at going back-to-back in the Europa League.

Forest were promoted to the secondary European competition at the expense of FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, who were booted out over multi-ownership rules.

Marinkas may view continental success as the vehicle to return the two-time European Cup winners to the Champions League, after they were in the top five for much of last Premier League before falling to seventh late.

Postecoglou meanwhile, rejected an approach from Turkish giants Fenerbahce after they sacked legendary manager Jose Mourinho, and German side Bayer Leverkusen ruled him out of their running for their managerial position after they dismissed former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after just two league matches.

“Ange Postecoglou informed Fenerbahce that he was awaiting offers from several clubs in the top five leagues,” Turkish football journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu said.

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