Nottingham Forest have moved on despite disappointment that their appeal against a four-point deduction failed, says manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Forest lost their appeal against breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability Rules (PSR) this week, with an independent three-person board upholding the original decision.
It means they remain in 17th place, three points above the relegation zone with two games to play.
“We were all disappointed. We had the hope and the belief they [the independent appeal board] could give us points back. But the decision is over,” said Nuno.
“We spoke about it with the players, about how this is the reality, this is what we have, this is what we have to face. Let’s focus on ourselves, because it [safety] is in our hands.
“Since the beginning, when there was the possibility of a points deduction, we have always faced it the same way – what we have to focus on is ourselves and on our job. It’s in our hands. We have already moved on.”
In March an independent commission found Forest’s losses over three years to 2022-23 breached the threshold of £61m by £34.5m.
They were the second top-flight team to be penalised for PSR breaches after Everton lost 10 points in November, which was reduced to six on appeal.
Last month, Nuno called the situation at the bottom of the table “a mess” while they waited for an appeal verdict, adding that it was damaging the league’s integrity.
Defender Ola Aina also believes the resolution of the issue, after Forest were charged in January, finally gives the squad clarity in their fight against the drop.
They host Chelsea on Saturday knowing victory would seal survival if Luton fail to win at West Ham.
“The energy around the club was like it has been forgotten about anyway, especially among the players. We didn’t really talk or think about it – we were just thinking about getting points as we normally would,” Aina told BBC East Midlands Today.
“It feels good that it’s in our hands. We can take control of that. I don’t think [it is nervy], I think the boys enjoy the task. I really enjoy going out there and having to get something. That’s the joy of football.
“It would be fantastic [to secure Premier League survival] and I do think we’ll do it. It will be fantastic to have that bit of relief, whether that’s this week or next week.”
