Nuno Espirito Santo has instructed his Nottingham Forest squad to “put aside” the club’s points deduction resulting from financial rule violations and concentrate on their efforts to stave off relegation.
On 18th March, Forest received a four-point deduction, pushing them into the Premier League’s relegation zone.
They currently occupy 18th place, trailing 17th-placed Luton by just one point, but have lodged an appeal against the ruling.
“Who are we to say that is fair or unfair?” manager Nuno said.
“We have to focus on what we have to do, and what we have to do is on the pitch. This is the message: forget about everything and focus on our tasks so we get out of this situation.”
Forest will face Crystal Palace at home on Saturday in their initial fixture following the points deduction.
They are the second Premier League team to be sanctioned for breaches of Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), with Everton receiving a 10-point penalty in November, later reduced to six points upon appeal.
The Toffees, currently in 16th place and four points ahead of Forest, are awaiting the outcome of a separate alleged rule violation.
Luton winger Andros Townsend criticized the uncertainty caused by points deductions, stating that it “makes a mockery” of the Premier League.
Despite the setback, Nuno remains confident that his team will avoid relegation.
“The way we work, the way we play, the togetherness, the commitment of the players – I see it every day and that’s why I’m so confident,” Nuno said.
“It’s in our hands, it’s up to us to reverse the situation and that is to get points on the pitch and this is what we’re going to try on Saturday.
“What we have to do is stick together, everyone at the club, stick together – the back-up of our fans is going to be huge for us – and starting on Saturday at the City Ground, play football and win games.”