Elliot Anderson has publicly backed Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo amidst speculation about his future at the club. Anderson highlighted the freedom and belief Nuno has instilled in him, attributing his recent progress to the manager’s guidance. The article discusses Forest’s recent performance, their Europa League squad selection, and the uncertainty surrounding Nuno’s relationship with the club owner. Anderson’s support underscores the importance of Nuno’s presence as Forest navigates their Premier League and Europa League campaigns.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has voiced his support for manager Nuno Espirito Santo, expressing his hope that the Portuguese coach remains at the helm of the club despite recent speculation surrounding his future. The uncertainty stems from reports of strained relations between Nuno and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, with Nuno himself alluding to a change in their dynamic.
Anderson's backing comes at a crucial time for Forest, as they look to build on a promising start to the 2024-25 season. Last season saw Forest narrowly miss out on Champions League qualification, finishing seventh in the Premier League after occupying a top-five position for a significant portion of the campaign. Despite the disappointment of missing out on elite European football, the club secured a place in the Europa League, marking their return to continental competition for the first time since 1995-96.
Forest's impressive league form in the previous campaign included 19 wins, a feat matched only by Manchester United in 2013-14 among teams finishing outside the top six. This season, the team has started steadily, currently sitting in 10th place with one win, one draw, and one loss after three matches.
Anderson, fresh off winning the Under-21 European Championship, has earned his first call-up to the senior national team. While focused on establishing himself within the national squad, he is eager to reunite with Nuno upon his return from international duty. "Yeah, definitely," Anderson affirmed when asked about his desire for Nuno to stay. "He’s been really good for me."
Proud. pic.twitter.com/qWg8kX56im
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 2, 2025
Anderson highlighted the impact Nuno has had on his game, emphasizing the freedom and belief the manager has instilled in him. "I feel he’s given me the freedom to go out and do what I do. He just believes in me, which is the main thing," Anderson explained. "He has said, ‘go out and play the way you train’, which has really helped me. Freedom in the team has given me the platform to do well."
The young midfielder is currently solely focused on his international commitments, aiming to make a strong impression during this camp. However, his thoughts will soon turn back to Forest and the challenges that lie ahead. "Right now, I’m just focusing on this camp and doing my best here, and then when I get back to my club, I’ll be focused on my club," he stated.
Forest's preparations for the Europa League campaign have seen Anderson included in the squad, while record signing Omari Hutchinson and deadline-day loan acquisition Oleksandr Zinchenko have been left out. Nuno's decisions regarding squad selection will undoubtedly be scrutinized as Forest embark on their European journey.
The situation surrounding Nuno Espirito Santo's future remains a key talking point among Forest supporters. The manager's ability to navigate the reported discord with the owner and maintain a positive environment within the squad will be crucial to Forest's success this season. Anderson's public show of support underscores the importance of Nuno's presence and the impact he has had on individual players.
As Forest continue their Premier League and Europa League campaigns, the stability of the managerial position will be paramount. The team's performance on the pitch will likely play a significant role in determining Nuno's long-term future at the club. The coming weeks will be a crucial period for both the manager and the club, as they strive to achieve their goals and solidify their position in English and European football.
The fans will be hoping that the club can resolve any issues at board level and allow Nuno to concentrate on what he does best, which is managing the team. Forest have shown glimpses of what they can do this season, and with a settled squad and manager, they are more than capable of having a very successful season. The inclusion of Anderson in the Europa League squad is a testament to his hard work and the belief that the manager has in him.
The exclusion of Hutchinson and Zinchenko is a surprise, but it shows the strength in depth that Forest now have. Nuno will have some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks, but he will be confident that he has the right players to achieve the club's goals.