In a surprising twist of fate, Nottingham Forest have been commended for sidestepping the managerial services of Jose Mourinho following the abrupt departure of Nuno Espirito Santo. The club finds itself in turbulent waters as the season unfolds, having parted ways with Nuno after a contentious fallout with key figures Evangelos Marinakis and Edu.
Nuno’s tenure at Forest, which began at the end of the 2023 season, had been marked by triumphs, ensuring Premier League safety in the 2023/24 campaign and securing European qualification the following year. However, internal disputes led to his dismissal after the team’s initial 2025/26 Premier League defeat to West Ham.
Amidst the managerial merry-go-round, Forest explored several high-profile replacements including Mourinho and Fulham’s Marco Silva. Yet, the club swiftly identified Ange Postecoglou, the former Spurs and Celtic manager, as their main target. His appointment was confirmed shortly after Nuno’s exit.
Mourinho, meanwhile, finds himself at Benfica after leaving Turkish side Fenerbahce, quashing any imminent return to the Premier League. Stan Collymore, a former Premier League star, has vocalised his approval of Forest’s decision to bypass Mourinho, arguing that his “unchanging approach” would have been detrimental to the club.
Collymore elaborated on his standpoint, emphasising that Forest have undoubtedly “dodged a bullet” by avoiding Mourinho’s appointment. “If Forest were in search of stability, Mourinho was not the man for them. His pattern is predictable: he joins, is dismissed, and subsequently launches a charm offensive on television before securing another role,” Collymore commented.
“Within weeks, he’s at odds with the local media, and by month’s end, the national press. In three months, he’s clashing with the chairman, pocketing a payoff, and contemplating his next move.”
Collymore suggests that Postecoglou’s initiation could be a catalyst for systemic change within Forest, steering them away from potentially disruptive influences like Mourinho. As discussions continue, the necessity for transformation, not turmoil, remains paramount for the Nottingham club.
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