Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo smile at 2025-26 Roma report

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo had a clear response to the reports this week he was approached to take over from Claudio Ranieri at Roma.

While Ranieri has completely revitalised the Giallorossi since becoming their third coach of the campaign in November, he was always adamant that he would retire at the end of the season.

That means the search for his heir has been going on for months, covering numerous different names, including Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno Espirito Santo laughs off Roma rumours

🗣️ “Do you really think I’m going to waste time on that?!?”

Nuno Espírito Santo was not willing to discuss reports linking him with the managerial vacancy at AS Roma 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/LctEZPk0w1

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 23, 2025

He was asked about the Roma report in a press conference today and shrugged it off with a smile.

“Do you really think that I’m going to waste time on that?” he replied.

“So much seems to get read, my main focus is on preparing the team, trying to get the best solutions and details for the players. Nothing else. Nothing else.”

While Nuno Espirito Santo was a late addition to the rumour mill, it would seem to be a bit too late, because today Ranieri hinted that Roma have already reached an agreement with their new coach.

Other people mentioned in the media during the search included Jurgen Klopp, Gian Piero Gasperini, Max Allegri, Roberto De Zerbi and Erik ten Hag, but none of them seem to be the chosen one.