Alious Nuno Espirito Santo Subtly Slams Premier League Over Newcastle vs Chelsea Scheduling Disruption
With Champions League qualification still within reach, Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is determined to keep his squad focused on the task ahead—despite external distractions beyond their control. As Forest prepare to face Leicester City in a must-win clash, attention is also turning to Sunday’s noon kickoff between fellow top-five contenders Newcastle United and Chelsea, a match that could directly impact Forest’s European ambitions.
However, the timing of that high-stakes showdown is causing concern. Scheduled to overlap with Forest’s final pre-match preparations, the Chelsea–Newcastle fixture is likely to be a major distraction for players, who are expected to be glued to the result. Speaking in his Friday press conference, Espirito Santo voiced his frustration with the situation, hinting at discontent with the Premier League’s scheduling approach.
“The timing is going to upset our warm-up,” the Forest boss admitted. “The players are going to be watching the game for sure. It’s impossible to avoid it—with phones, TVs—it’s better to see it. But it doesn’t matter, we can’t control it. It’s about us now.”
Espirito Santo’s pointed remarks appear to take aim at the Premier League’s fragmented fixture structure driven by broadcasting demands—an issue managers across the division have increasingly criticized for compromising team focus and matchday rhythm.
While some might argue that knowing rivals’ results can be motivational, the Forest boss clearly sees it as a disruptive force in what’s already an incredibly tight end to the season. With Forest just behind Chelsea and Newcastle in the table, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Forest will be hoping for a Newcastle win, which would increase their chances of leapfrogging Chelsea by the final day. As fixtures grow fewer and margins thinner, every moment—onscreen or on the pitch—could decide the Reds’ European fate.
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