Nuno Espirito Santo slams 'absolute nonsense' in update on Nottingham Forest future

Defiant Nuno Espirito Santo trashed the “absurd narrative” that he's looking to leave Nottingham Forest - and believes he can still restore harmonious relations with fiery owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Just 48 hours after admitting his alliance with Marinakis was strained, Nuno’s players battled to chisel out a point at Selhurst Park. His future remains shrouded in doubt - but he believes an earnest conversation with Marinakis and director of football Edu this week could still clear the air.

Asked if he expects to remain in charge at the City Ground beyond the transfer window, the Forest head coach replied: “I can’t answer that question.

“But what what I do know is that I'm working and trying to do my job the best that I can. Of course the situation has to be solved, we are responsible for the players and we're going to have a good conversation to try to find a good platform for what is most important - the team.

“Not only us three (manager, director of football and owner) - all the club has to come together and create. First of all, let's try to complete our squad. This is really important in the final days of this transfer market and we still have the chance to win.

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“I would say we need three players - one goalkeeper more, and two full-backs because you cannot live with the fear and uncertainty if something happens to Ola (Aina) and Neco (Williams). After these situations, what is important is Forest, not individual persons. We must have that conversation, and we will have it.”

Asked if he was offended that his job was being called into question after leading Forest back into Europe, Nuno shrugged: “This is how it is in football. There are things that I myself cannot control.

“My concern for the squad. These boys last season achieved something fantastic. If we as a club don't help them in terms of numbers, in terms of quality and talent, everything will go.

“I believe we can get back (to a harmonious situation), I believe so. Everybody wants the best for Forest. Me first, the president first and all the club wants the best for Forest. And always, during my career, I think it's the first time that I'm facing a situation and being asked these things. It's not helpful, but I believe working amid conflict doesn't work out.

“We have to create harmony. We need it. But this narrative (about wanting to leave) is absolute nonsense. This narrative is absurd. But the response of the players here was focus, determination, ignore the noise. This was our message. They are human beings. Everything that happens around affects us.

"But I think we were able to shield them. The bond that was created with the team and the fans is there to stay. It is unbreakable due to the fantastic moments we had last season.

"It was a beautiful journey – it will stick in our memories forever. No matter what happens, we will have this respect and mutual love. I believe that that is the only way to operate in a football club, if everybody is on the same page.

"It is helping in the same direction so hopefully we can do it this week and move forward – and take these nonsense questions and narrative away from our daily [lives].”

Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who is also battling to bring in new players to cope with the demands of European football, said: "It's our fourth game in two weeks and many players have played every single minute.

“We've got eight, nine days to strengthen the squad and I am pretty sure we will do this. We know we can play better football but we are unbeaten against Liverpool, Chelsea and Forest, three of last seasons top seven.”

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