“Yeah it’s a busy schedule, but so what? Get on with it, Look at the resources, the finance, the staffing that they have, we don’t have that”- Blackpool manager aims dig at Nuno for wanting FA replay to be scrapped as he lays emphasis on Forest spending power
Nuno Espirito Santo has got a lot right since taking charge at Nottingham Forest.
He has made a positive difference in a short space of time. He has overseen two impressive Premier League wins and has got players such as Morgan Gibbs-White looking back to their best.
He has also said the right things. On his first day in the job he paid tribute to the work done by his predecessor, he has spoken about the honour and privilege he feels at taking on the role, and he has made clear how important Reds fans are.
But when it comes to FA Cup replays, his argument that they should be scrapped has generated plenty of debate. And not everyone will agree with the Portuguese boss.
Blackpool’s Neil Critchley certainly doesn’t. His message on the back of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the City Ground was very clear.
“We are delighted we have got a replay,” Critchley said. “Yeah it’s a busy schedule, but so what, get on with it.
“This was our 35th game of the season. The Premier League teams haven’t played that. They get international breaks, time off. We don’t.
“Get on with it. Look at the resources, the finance, the staffing that they have… we don’t have that. It’s tough, get on with it, let’s play football.”
Nuno’s frustration at having to rip up his winter break plans to accommodate the additional game is understandable. Forest had planned a three-day trip to St George’s Park for double training sessions and some team bonding but will now have to rearrange their schedule.
But the Reds can have little complaint about being required to go to Bloomfield Road to decide the third round tie. They were punished for a slow start on Sunday and, despite going close, didn’t manage to bag a winner once they had drawn level.
Injuries and absences affected Nuno’s team selection, but it was still a strong side put out. However, the performance level was not at the standard of their previous games under the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss – and within the scope of the FA Cup that has consequences.
There is certainly a wider conversation to be had about the football calendar and fixture congestion, but Blackpool deserve their replay. Nuno will feel it is a game he and his players could have done without, but if they do want to go on a good cup run all the challenges that go with that are there to be overcome.
