Evangelos Marinakis breaks silence on Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest future

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has insisted he maintains a solid bond with Nuno Espirito Santo, despite ongoing rumours surrounding the manager's future at the City Ground. Nuno steered Forest to European competition last season but has faced uncertainty regarding his tenure.

The Forest chief fuelled doubts about his own prospects earlier this month by suggesting there was 'no smoke without fire' following reports he could face the axe. Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was even touted as a potential replacement in the Midlands. Despite penning a fresh three-year deal in June, Nuno acknowledged his rapport with Marinakis had deteriorated.

The pair previously maintained almost daily communication, though this has ceased during the current campaign.

Crucial discussions are expected during the international break, but following the Europa League draw, Marinakis seems determined to back Nuno to extend his productive tenure with the club.

The 57-year-old, who also controls Olympiacos, declared: "Yes [Nuno can lead Forest forward], he has been successful and we have done things we have enjoyed. Now we can afford to do things that we enjoy.

"Everything is solid. We all want Nottingham to succeed. We are here in the good days but we are even closer in the difficult days, so personally I don't see a problem.

"We are all together, united, and we'll make some corrective actions and everything will be smooth and ready to go.

"We have a solid relationship. Of course, sometimes we can be nervous, say one thing, say another, but what counts at the end of the day is the real relationship between me and Nuno, between Nuno and the players and between the players and ourselves."

During his press conference, Nuno emphasised the importance of upcoming discussions: "We have to talk," he declared.

"These kinds of things should be done at the right moment, and the right moment is after the game. Now we are focused on West Ham, then we have the international break and I think that is the right moment.

"Things are OK. We are working very hard to compete, this is what is really important."

When questioned about his position at Forest, Nuno responded: "I'm totally relaxed in that sense. We need to have a talk about the future of the club, how we should address after the transfer market and all these things - what is the commitment to the club. Me and the president want the same thing. We want the best for Forest, that's for sure."