Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has given short shrift to speculation about his future ahead of Nottingham Forest’s final-day decider.
The Portuguese was linked with Serie A outfit Roma earlier this week as they search for a replacement for Claudio Ranieri. Italian publications have since dismissed those reports, and Nuno has said he will not even “waste time” commenting on the talk.
The Reds boss is fully focused on Sunday’s City Ground clash with Chelsea (4pm kick-off) which will determine his team’s European fate. The hosts go into the game seventh in the Premier League table but still in with a chance of securing the top-five finish required to make the Champions League.
“Do you really think I'm going to waste time on that? So many things to think about and so much to get ready,” Nuno said in his pre-match press conference when asked about the Roma rumours.
“My main focus is on preparing the team, trying to get the best solutions and details for the players. Nothing else.”
To earn a pass to the Europe's top table, Forest need to beat the Blues and hope other results go their way. They need Aston Villa and/or Newcastle United to drop points in their respective games away to Manchester United and at home to Everton, but Nuno will not be paying attention to what is going on elsewhere.
“No, we are playing the game,” he responded when asked if he would be keeping an eye on Forest’s rivals. “The players will be focused on the task on the pitch.
“We have to focus on what's happening. It's the only way to achieve things, to ignore what's outside and focus on your task.
“The City Ground is going to help us, for sure. They have been helping us a lot since the beginning of the season and since last season.
“I hope this day is enjoyable for all of us, but we are going to face a good team. They have talented players. They are like us, in that it is a decisive game for all of us.
“We want to enjoy, to play the game and to compete well against a tough team. We are preparing ourselves well.
“In terms of motivation, there's not much to say. It's a big game. A big game that means a lot for all of us at the club. The fans are going to be here helping us. Let's compete.”
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