Forest turn to Nuno in bid for Premier League survival

Nuno Espirito Santo wants to build on Steve Cooper's legacy as Nottingham Forest boss — but insists he is under no pressure from club owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Nuno, 49, made his name in English football by leading Wolves into the Premier League and then Europe during an impressive stint between 2017 and 2021.

And the Portuguese coach, who briefly managed Tottenham before a spell at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is raring to go having stepped in following Cooper's sacking on Tuesday. 

After being unveiled by Forest earlier today, Nuno lifted the lift on his conversation with Marinakis. 

He said: "We didn’t mark ourselves to expectations. That's a day-to-day process. 

"What he told me was that what Steve did here is huge. Getting Forest back in the Premier League is fantastic work. 

"We are trying to improve his legacy, which is amazing. 

"What Steve did here at Forest is amazing — getting them back in the Premier League and keeping them there. 

"It's normal [to have that popularity[ and it shows how good Forest fans are with the respect they showed Steve even when things weren't going well. That says a lot about our fans."

A run of one win in 13 matches saw Forest fall to 17th in the league, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

And a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last Friday was enough to convince Marinakis that a change needed to be made.

The Greek businessman will hope Nuno, who has signed two-and-a-half-year contract at the City Ground, can recreate his Molineux heroics in Nottingham.

Nuno added: "I think we have to prove ourselves every day, as players, as coaches, everybody. It is a constant pressure to prove. 

"What I expect is to help, try to transmit my knowledge and work ethic."