Nottingham Forest have sacked manager Nuno Espirito Santo overnight, just days before their Premier League clash with Arsenal – with Brendan Rodgers once again being linked with a move away from Celtic.
The Portuguese coach’s time at the City Ground has come to a sharp end, and Evangelos Marinakis is now eyeing a swift appointment. Celtic boss Rodgers, who is in the final year of his deal at Parkhead, has previously been named in connection with the role. With Forest keen to make a quick decision, his name is back in the frame.
Rodgers was first touted as a candidate last month when Alan Nixon suggested his departure from Celtic would become more feasible if the Hoops crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers – which they duly did against Kairat Almaty. Tensions between Rodgers and the Celtic board haven’t eased, and his future remains uncertain.
A new report in the Telegraph has linked the Celtic manager, Jose Mourinho and Ange Postecoglou to the position.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – May 25, 2025 Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou with the Europa League trophy during a lap of appreciation after the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
The situation at Parkhead is fragile. Celtic’s transfer business over the summer has been heavily criticised, with supporters frustrated by a lack of urgency and ambition. Communication from the boardroom has been non-existent, and internal briefings have painted an increasingly fractured picture behind the scenes. A source within the club claimed Rodgers is “engineering an exit,” and now the board faces the added pressure of a vote of no confidence.
Forest’s search is being led by Marinakis, who is thought to favour a manager with attacking principles. Ange Postecoglou, who Tottenham sacked despite lifting the Europa League, is to be the preferred candidate. The Australian, who shares Greek heritage with Marinakis, fits the style the Forest owner wants to see implemented.
But whether Postecoglou is open to an immediate return remains to be seen. Should he pass on the opportunity, Rodgers’ Premier League credentials will come into sharper focus. With Celtic spiralling and uncertainty clouding Lennoxtown, a return to England could become increasingly attractive for the former Leicester boss. However, on Sunday, it was reported that he may look to make a move abroad after his time at Celtic is up.
Forest travel to the Emirates on Saturday for a 12.30pm kick-off. Whether they do so with a new man in the dugout remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Celtic’s next match is against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
