Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has called on the Premier League to support clubs by adjusting the schedules for teams competing in European tournaments.
Forest, who recently drew the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Porto, will face Aston Villa on Sunday (14:00 BST) in the Premier League.
Advertisement
Porto, their quarter-final opponents, will take on Estoril Praia later on Sunday (20:30 BST) before the second leg at the City Ground next Thursday. The Portuguese league has adjusted its fixtures this season to accommodate its teams in Europe.
Paris St-Germain successfully requested a scheduling change for a Ligue 1 match against Lens prior to their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool on Tuesday.
The French club stated that changing the fixture would enable them to “prepare in the best possible conditions for their upcoming matches”.
“If we safeguard these teams—those in the Europa League, Conference League, and Champions League—England is more likely to secure additional titles,” Pereira asserted.
Advertisement
“Take PSG as an example; they [France’s Ligue de Football Professionel] delayed the last four matches to ensure they could compete effectively in both the league and the Champions League. This is something we need to consider.
“It’s essential to protect the clubs and provide them the opportunity to win more titles.”
“I believe it’s crucial to offer protection to those playing in the Europa League and the Conference League, as well as the Champions League, especially when games are scheduled just one day after each other.”
Fixtures in the Premier League are set by the league in consultation with its broadcast partners.
Advertisement
The Premier League first establishes a fixture schedule, which is then adjusted by broadcasting partners such as Sky Sports and TNT Sports, who select the matches to air on television.
These fixtures can change depending on each team’s progress in European competitions.
Pereira took over from Sean Dyche in February, marking his appointment as Forest’s fourth manager this season, following the dismissals of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou by October.
There remains a possibility that he could secure the Europa League title while facing relegation; if that situation arises, Forest could end up competing in Champions League football while in the Championship.
Currently, they are three points above the relegation zone ahead of Villa’s visit and are set to host second-bottom Burnley on April 19, with Pereira focused on avoiding relegation.
Advertisement
“The club has made it clear that our priority is to remain in the Premier League,” stated the former Wolves manager. “I fully agree. For the fans, for everyone associated with the club, relegation would be a disaster.”
“We are competing against West Ham, Tottenham, and Leeds, and it’s challenging to contend with such clubs.
“If we slip out of the Premier League, it would be a disaster I don’t want to be held accountable for.”
“Of course, I aim to win the Europa League. I was part of the coaching staff that won the Europa League with Porto in 2011, and I want to achieve that success as a head coach.”
“My goal is to keep the club in the Premier League while striving to reach the final.”