West Ham's manager Believes West Ham Can Transform as Players Accept Accountability for Recent Struggles
Nuno Espírito Santo has declared that West Ham’s players are eager to change and have accepted responsibility for the team's disappointing results over the past 18 months.
Nuno, who is the club’s third manager since David Moyes left at the end of the 2023-24 season, is aiming to shift the mood in the dressing room after taking over from Graham Potter last weekend. The London club have been lacking guidance, and there is a general acknowledgment among the squad that they contributed to the former manager departing from his position after less than a year.
“I've encountered a good team of individuals,” the manager said. “They are starting to understand that we must change our approach. If we don’t change, results will remain unchanged. They are willing to adapt. It's evident. So let’s embrace it and let’s change it.”
“It goes from technical, strategic, physical, mindset, discipline, dialogue. Clear communication is a vital asset for us. We currently lack have it fully. It must become a fair and clear exchange that we share. The squad has accounted themselves accountable and are willing to move forward.”
Nuno's Current Focus
The new boss has had minimal opportunity to adjust. He hasn't have his coaching team so far, and the ex- Nottingham Forest manager is avoiding thoughts about what the team, 19th before facing Arsenal on the weekend, can achieve this campaign. “My task is simple,” Nuno explained. “It’s the immediate future.”
Defensive Concerns Facing the Hammers
A major concern for Nuno is bolstering his team's defending at dead-ball situations. West Ham have shipped eight goals from corners this term – the latest goal allowed came in Nuno’s first game, the recent 1-1 draw at Goodison Park – and will be under sustained scrutiny from set plays against Arsenal. The concern for him is that it turns into a mental problem.
“That's possible,” he said. “However, we'll try to prevent it. The biggest risk that can happen is that if an opponent earns a set-piece, we start immediately thinking that we are in danger. This could become a trauma.”