Nuno Espírito Santo has declared that West Ham’s players are ready to change and have taken responsibility for the club's disappointing results over the last year and a half.
The Portuguese manager, who is the third head coach since the previous manager departed at the end of the 2023-24 season, is aiming to improve the atmosphere in the dressing room after replacing his predecessor recently. The London club have been short on guidance, and there is a widespread acceptance among the players that they played a role to the former manager losing his job after less than a year.
“I've encountered a good team of people,” Nuno stated. “They're beginning to understand that we have to improve our approach. Without change, things will be the same. The players are willing to adapt. I can see it. So let’s accept it and let’s change it.”
“It goes from technical, tactical, physical, mentality, discipline, dialogue. Communication is a vital asset for us. We still don’t complete mastery of it. It must become a fair and clear exchange that we all participate in. The squad has held themselves accountable and are prepared to go.”
The Manager's Current Priorities
Nuno has had little time to settle in. He hasn't assembled his coaching team yet, and the former Forest manager is avoiding thoughts about what the team, 19th before visiting Arsenal on the weekend, can accomplish this campaign. “My task is simple,” he said. “It’s tomorrow.”
Defensive Issues Facing the Hammers
A significant worry for Nuno is improving his side’s defense at set pieces. The club have shipped eight goals from corners this season – the latest concession came in his debut, the recent tie at Goodison Park – and will be under sustained pressure from set plays against Arsenal. The concern for Nuno is that it becomes a mental problem.
“That's possible,” he said. “However, we'll try to prevent it. The worst thing that can occur is that if an rival gets a corner, we begin right away thinking that we are in danger. It can become a trauma.”
