Nuno Espirito Santo admits that Nottingham Forest are “concerned” about the Financial Fair Play charges levelled at the club by the Premier League.
The Reds have been charged with breaching the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, as have Everton. The clubs have two weeks to respond to the charges, with a subsequent hearing by an independent commission to be concluded by April 8.
Forest face the possibility of a points deduction, which happened to the Toffees earlier this season when they were docked ten points.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s FA Cup replay against Blackpool, Nuno says the team will not be distracted by the case when they take to the pitch at Bloomfield Road.
“We are all concerned in the club,” he said. “But me as a coach, it’s nothing I have to think about or deal with. My job is clear, it is to prepare the team and that’s what we’re focused on.
“Today we will train and we know the players know the situation, but I’ll tell them the same as I’m telling you, let’s forget about this and focus on our job. Our job is tomorrow’s game against Blackpool.”
The Portuguese added: “All the conversations and meetings we have are private. I understand that this is the news, but at the same time it’s not my concern.
“I have to focus. Everyone has to wait until the decision comes, and when it does we’re here to deal with that.
“My job is to work, work and work, and now I have to work even more. That is all I am thinking about.”
The only previous FA Cup meeting between Forest and Blackpool came at the same stage of the competition last year, with the Seasiders winning 4-1 at home.