Robbie Savage makes Nottingham Forest relegation prediction as Nuno Espirito Santo replaces Steve Cooper

The Welshman was given his marching orders following a dismal run of results which saw Forest pick up one win from their last 13 Premier League games.

Cooper, who masterminded the club’s return to the elite, was a fan favourite at the City Ground despite ending his tenure in 17th spot and five points above the drop zone.

The attention now turns to Nuno as he looks to drag the team out of their current slump.

The Portuguese manager returns to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia where he won the league title with Al-Ittihad.

When asked about the managerial change at the City Ground, former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage believes the new man has what it takes to keep Forest up.

 

 

He told Planet Sport: “His [Steve Cooper’s] win percentage this season with Nottingham Forest hasn’t been good enough.

“Although saying that, it’s virtually a similar start to what they had last season. The influx of more players during the summer. Obviously, the club wanted more.

“I have sympathy with Steve Cooper, but we all know how ruthless and results driven business it is.

“Nuno Espirito Santo comes into the football club with a 47%-win percentage across all comps as a Premier League manager [at both Tottenham and Wolves]. If he has that record at Nottingham Forest, they’ll stay in the Premier League.

“But his objective will be to try and push Nottingham Forest upwards in the Premier League table and look to get in that top half. Maybe not this season, but certainly next season. First and foremost, staying in the Premier League must be key.

“I think Steve Cooper would’ve kept them in the Premier League, but obviously the club want more.

“Will Nuno be a success? Time will tell. He’s got experience in the Premier League, firstly at Wolves and then with Spurs. Eight wins out of 17 in all comps with Spurs. But you’ve got to judge his time at Wolves. His time at Wolves was good and that’s why he got the Spurs job.

“It’s going to be interesting to see in January how many players they bring in. It’s a job that Nuno will embrace, he’ll relish and he’ll look to put Nottingham Forest as high as he can in the Premier League table.”

Nuno begins his latest Premier League spell with a home clash against Bournemouth. He will then finish the year with a trip to Newcastle and a home match with Manchester United.