forest boss: 1 shock name emerges to replace Nuno in 2024

The City Ground is a place of perpetual drama, and the hotseat for the forest boss is proving to be no exception. As Nottingham Forest navigate the choppy waters of the Premier League in the 2024/25 season, whispers behind the scenes have intensified. Despite a string of resilient performances, sources close to the club suggest that owner Evangelos Marinakis is already considering alternatives to current manager Nuno Espírito Santo, with one truly shocking name topping the list.

While Nuno has been tasked with solidifying Forest’s top-flight status, the club’s hierarchy is reportedly craving a long-term identity and a brand of football that captivates fans and defines an era. This has led them to explore a candidate who represents a radical departure from the pragmatism of recent appointments—a name that would send shockwaves through English football.

Nuno’s Precarious Position at the City Ground

Nuno Espírito Santo arrived at Nottingham Forest with a clear remit: keep the club in the Premier League. The Portuguese manager, known for his pragmatic and often defensive-first approach, has brought a level of organisation to the team. However, inconsistency has plagued his tenure. Moments of brilliance, like hard-fought draws against top-six sides, are often followed by frustrating losses to relegation rivals.

The pressure on any forest boss is immense, and Marinakis is not known for his patience. The ownership is believed to be looking for more than just survival; they want a footballing philosophy. They want a team that plays with a distinct, attacking style that can make the City Ground a true fortress, not just a place for backs-to-the-wall defending.

While Nuno’s job is not under immediate threat, especially if results remain stable, the club’s long-term planning committee is actively scouting managers who could orchestrate a complete cultural and tactical overhaul. The feeling is that while Nuno is a competent firefighter, the club needs an architect to build its future.

The Shock Candidate: A Tactical Visionary Emerges

Sources have revealed that the shock name at the top of Forest’s speculative shortlist is none other than Marcelo Bielsa. The legendary Argentine coach, affectionately known as ‘El Loco’, is currently unattached after his spell with the Uruguayan national team and is reportedly intrigued by the prospect of one last project in English football.

This would represent a monumental shift in strategy. Bielsa is the antithesis of a pragmatic manager. His philosophy is built on a hyper-aggressive, high-energy pressing game, man-to-man marking all over the pitch, and rapid vertical attacks. It’s a demanding system that requires absolute physical commitment and tactical discipline from every single player.

The interest in Bielsa signals a desire from the Forest board to gamble on a high-risk, high-reward strategy. They witnessed the transformative effect he had on Leeds United, where he not only achieved promotion but also instilled a thrilling brand of football that earned plaudits worldwide. The prospect of bringing “Bielsa-ball” to the City Ground is a tantalizing one for an ownership group eager to make a statement.

What Would This New Forest Boss Bring to the Role?

Appointing Marcelo Bielsa as the next forest boss would be a revolution, not an evolution. The impact would be immediate and widespread, affecting everything from training to player recruitment.

• Unrelenting Fitness: Bielsa is famous for his punishing training sessions, often called “murderball.” He would demand a level of fitness from the Forest squad that most have never experienced. Players would need to be prepared for an intense physical regime designed to enable his high-press system for 90 minutes.
• Tactical Revolution: The team’s shape and style would change overnight. Forget low blocks and cautious build-up. A Bielsa-led Forest would press opponents into submission, with players like Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White potentially thriving in a system that values speed and directness.
• Youth Development: Bielsa has a strong track record of trusting and developing young players. This could be a huge benefit for Forest’s academy prospects and younger squad members, who would be given opportunities if they could meet his exacting standards.
• Fan Excitement: While risky, the appointment would undoubtedly energize the fanbase. The promise of front-foot, attacking football returning to the City Ground would sell tickets and create an electric atmosphere.

However, the risks are substantial. His system can leave teams defensively exposed, and the physical demands often lead to player burnout and injuries over a long season. It’s a philosophy that has no room for compromise, which could either elevate Forest to new heights or lead to a spectacular collapse. For more on his tactical approach, The Athletic’s tactical analysis provides deep insights.

Other Names in the Frame for the Top Job

While Bielsa is the stunning name in the mix, he is not the only one. The club is keeping its options open, and other, more conventional candidates are also being considered. These include:

• Graham Potter: Still highly regarded in England for his work at Brighton, Potter is a master of creating flexible, possession-based teams. He represents a less extreme version of a philosophical appointment and is a name perennially linked with Premier League vacancies.
• Steve Cooper: A sentimental favorite. The man who led Forest back to the promised land is still beloved by a large section of the fanbase. A return would be a romantic story, but the board may be hesitant to go back after dismissing him previously.
• Rúben Amorim: The Sporting CP manager is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in Europe. Prying him away from Lisbon would be extremely difficult and costly, but his attacking 3-4-3 system fits the profile of a modern, progressive coach that Forest’s ownership desires.

The Verdict: A Monumental Gamble for Forest?

The conversation around the next forest boss highlights a clear fork in the road for the club. Do they stick with the pragmatism of a manager like Nuno, focusing solely on survival? Or do they twist, taking a monumental gamble on a visionary like Marcelo Bielsa in the hope of creating something truly special?

Appointing Bielsa would be the boldest move in the club’s recent history. It would be a declaration of intent, a sign that Nottingham Forest no longer wants to just make up the numbers in the Premier League. They want to forge an identity that echoes the club’s glorious past while building a sustainable, exciting future.

Whether ‘El Loco’ ever sits in the City Ground dugout remains to be seen. But the fact that his name is even in the conversation shows the scale of ambition at Nottingham Forest. For the fans, the coming months will be a fascinating watch, both on and off the pitch, as the future of their club hangs in the balance.