Nuno Espirito Santo of Nottingham Forest has insists that the recent introduction of an additional Champions League spot for English clubs will not alter his approach as they push for a top-five finish.
With midweek results confirming that finishing fifth in the Premier League will now secure a place in next season’s Champions League, Forest are targeting a spot in Europe’s top competition. Traditionally, only the top four teams earned a place.
Currently in third, Forest hold a five-point lead over sixth-placed Manchester City ahead of their home match against Everton on Saturday. A Champions League return, their first since the 1980-81 season, is within reach, but Nuno remains cautious.
“It’s in our hands. The additional spot means more contenders, but for us, it doesn’t change anything,” he said in a press conference on Thursday.
“Our approach will stay the same: day by day, preparing the players, and focusing on the game. We have a great opportunity to achieve something special.”
Nuno reflected on last season’s fight for survival, noting that while the team’s fate was in their own hands, this year they are fighting for something “magical” with a renewed sense of motivation and ambition. He emphasized, however, that the pressure remains to perform well and compete consistently.
The Forest boss is also monitoring the fitness of several players ahead of the Everton clash. Top scorer Chris Wood has been sidelined since returning injured from international duty with New Zealand, and strikers Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, and Anthony Elanga are also dealing with various fitness issues.
“We’re still assessing all of them as they’ve had some issues – some minor, some more significant,” Nuno explained. “It depends on how they recover and how they feel.”
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