Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo defended the “frustration” of Evangelos Marinakis, the club’s owner, after the 2-2 draw against Leicester City in the Premier League.
After a match that secured a place in Europe for Forest after 29 years, but also took away ground in the race for Champions League qualification, Marinakis, visibly irritated, argued with Nuno on the field.
It was due to the situation. There was confusion about Awoniyi’s situation. There was frustration about playing 10 minutes with a player who had so much confidence and being positive that he was going to score.
Nuno Espírito Santo
Nuno explained that Marinakis’ actions were understandable, pointing out that the lack of a substitution for Taiwo Awoniyi was what caused the upset. Forest made their last permitted change shortly after Awoniyi hit the post with 10 minutes remaining, and the injured striker struggled to have an impact afterwards.
The coach added that the situation generated frustration, as they played with one man down. “Football is emotions. It’s difficult to control, especially when we had so much expectation today,” he commented.
Forest, who were third for much of a dream campaign, have dropped to seventh in the Premier League after Facundo Buonanotte scored a late goal for the already relegated Leicester.
However, the club is only one point behind Chelsea, who are in fifth place, with two games to play and welcomes the West London team on the final day of the season.
