Premier League Needs to Safeguard European Teams – Pereira

Nottingham Forest’s Call for Support

Vitor Pereira, the manager of Nottingham Forest, has emphasized the necessity for the Premier League to provide greater protection for clubs engaged in European competitions by adjusting their match schedules.

Nottingham Forest recently secured a draw in their Europa League quarter-final first leg against FC Porto and will be facing Aston Villa, their rivals in the league, this Sunday at 14:00 BST.

Adjustments Needed for European Matches

Porto, on their end, will take on Estoril Praia later on Sunday at 20:30 BST, followed by the decisive second leg at City Ground next Thursday. This season, the Portuguese league has made alterations to accommodate teams involved in European tournaments.

Paris Saint-Germain managed to rearrange a Ligue 1 match against Lens prior to their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool on Tuesday, allowing them to prepare optimally for the crucial fixtures ahead.

A Plea for Title Opportunities

“If we offer support to clubs participating in the Europa League, Conference League, and Champions League, it will undoubtedly increase England’s chances of winning more titles,” Pereira asserted.

He elaborated on the changes made by PSG, pointing out that Ligue de Football Professionel postponed several of their matches to enable the club to compete effectively in both the league and the Champions League. “This is a matter that requires our consideration,” Pereira remarked.

“It’s crucial to protect clubs, offering them the best chance to secure additional titles. In my view, safeguarding those competing in the Europa League and Conference League, as well as the Champions League, is especially important, particularly if matches are scheduled just one day apart.”

The scheduling of Premier League matches results from negotiations between the Premier League and its broadcasting partners. Initially, the Premier League curates a fixture list before broadcast companies, including Sky Sports and TNT Sports, select watchable matches. Fixture adjustments may occur based on a team’s ongoing European campaign.