Nuno Espírito Santo to replace the sacked Steve Cooper at Nottm Forest

Former Wolves, Tottenham, and  Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espírito Santo could be taking charge at Nottingham Forest soon. 

After weeks of speculation, Nottingham Forest have finally sacked their longtime manager Steve Cooper. The 44-year-old Welshman took over at The City Ground midway through the 2021-22 Championship season when the club was floundering at the bottom of the division. Cooper turned this around immediately for Forest, and the club was promoted to the Premier League in that same season.  
 
With Cooper gone, all eyes have turned to his potential successor. It was first speculated that Julen Lopetegui would take over. It now seems another former Wolves manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, will be taking the job. 

Cooper sacked by Forest

Following the club’s disappointing 0-2 loss to Tottenham at home last week, Nottingham Forest announced they have sacked Steve Cooper.  
 
“Steve Cooper has today been relieved of his duties as head coach of Nottingham Forest, following a spell of over two years in charge,” said the club via a statement. “Cooper departs The City Ground having played an integral part in Forest’s return to the Premier League, cementing himself firmly into the Club’s rich history after guiding The Reds back into England’s top-flight.”

Cooper was in charge for Forest in 55 Premier League matches during his nearly three-and-a-half-year spell at the club. 
 
Nottingham Forest have won just one of their last 13 matches. The club is currently in 17th and has lost five of its last six matches.  

New Nottingham Forest manager candidates

When a Premier League manager is sacked, the club doing the sacking either has a replacement in mind. That appears to be the case here with Nottingham Forest and sacking Steve Cooper.  
 
According to virtually every reputable source, Nuno Espírito Santo will likely be the new Nottingham Forest manager. The former goalkeeper has most recently managed Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, but he is no stranger to the Premier League.  
 
Espírito Santo previously managed Wolves for three Premier League seasons. He then took over Tottenham after José Mourinho left the club in 2021. Espírito Santo started the season strong with Spurs before it ultimately turned to disaster in November. He was sacked just four months after joining the club.

Nottingham Forest season outlook 

If Nuno Espírito Santo does take over at The City Ground, Forest fans will be hoping his time at the club goes better than it did for him at Al-Ittihad and Spurs. Thankfully though, even if things do go terrible for Espírito Santo, Forest will probably be okay this season.  
 
The bottom three Premier League teams, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United, are so far behind the rest of the league this year that it would take a truly second half of the season for Forest to go down.  

Top soccer betting sites reflect this. The current bottom three are practically odds on favourites to be relegated. Outside of the bottom three, Forest have the next best odds to go down. PlayUp is currently offering $3.50 odds on Nottingham Forest to be relegated this season.