Nuno Espirito Santo is focusing purely on Nottingham Forest’s performances after seeing Everton’s 10-point deduction cut to six on appeal.
Everton were handed a 10-point deduction – the largest in Premier League history – in November after being found to have breached the competition’s Profit and Sustainability rules during a four-year assessment period culminating in the end of the 2021-22 season.
The outcome of the Toffees’ appeal against that penalty was announced on Monday, with Sean Dyche’s side moving up to 15th in the table after receiving four points back.
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However, Everton still face a second charge over an alleged breach during the period ending last season, with Forest also accused of breaking the rules. Both cases have been referred to an independent commission, with any punishments expected to be announced in mid-April.
Forest currently sit four points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town having played one game more, and some have suggested Everton’s final six-point penalty could serve as a precedent ahead of their case being heard.
Nuno, though, refused to engage in that speculation at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United.
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— Everton (@Everton) February 26, 2024
“I cannot tell you much, we still have to wait,” Nuno said of Forest’s charge. “The decision still has to be made and we will see. You should ask someone else from the club.
“My job is to prepare the team, to focus on what we have to do. Regarding the hearing and the decision, we are waiting. There are people at our club taking care of that.
“What we focus upon is the players, how they do things, what the strength of the team is. We look at what we can exploit, yes, but away from the pitch… we don’t focus on that.
“I don’t look at problems at our club away from the team. I look at what we can control as a coaching staff and players. This has to be our focus.
“Our focus has to be on our training, preparation, the games, our tasks, and that is totally right. The problems that all clubs have, all the noise it has created, is no object of analysis.”
Returning to @EmiratesFACup action on Wednesday.
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— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 26, 2024
Wednesday’s cup clash should provide a welcome distraction from Forest’s fight for Premier League survival, and they have already beaten United once under Nuno, with Morgan Gibbs-White’s stunning strike handing them a 2-1 Premier League victory over the Red Devils in December.
“They’re a very good team with a very good squad,” Nuno said of United. “We are going to face a tough opponent on Wednesday.
“The last game is useful for us to look at, knowing that it’s not going to be a repeat.
“It’s going to be a new one, new things will happen, but we want to go for the game, continue in the FA Cup and give big joy and happiness to our fantastic fans.”