Nuno Declares Creating the Hammers Philosophy His Top Focus
Nuno Espírito Santo is convinced it will take time to build a clear philosophy at the London club. Having previously managed Forest, who is adjusting to his recent appointment, wants to forge a relationship with the organization’s traditions on an emotional level.
Learning the West Ham Way
Brought in after the sudden exit of the previous manager, Nuno revealed that experienced club employees have been filling him in about what it means to be a Hammer. When asked about his interpretation of the famous “West Ham way”, he beamed and acknowledged that it is interpreted differently—for some it’s as gung-ho football, while others value passion and resilience.
“It’s exactly what I’m trying to understand day by day,” he said. “It goes beyond understanding—the emotion is essential. It takes time to feel it. When it becomes part of us, we need to make it part of us.”
He emphasized that passion is crucial, instead of mental comprehension. On the topic of style and culture, Nuno stated they are still far from achieving it. “Simply saying the ‘West Ham way’—let’s create it, we need to embrace it.”
Initial Phase and Long Road Ahead
His time in charge began with an promising equal result on the road. Questioned about how close he is to forming a recognizable philosophy, he replied, “I think quite distant. It’s challenging and needs a collective push at the club. However, it’s our main focus.”
Commonly, supporters have a expectation from supporters for entertaining style. The former manager, the most successful modern-era coach, later encountered pressure due to his pragmatic approach. Subsequent managers also struggled changing the on-field approach in the years following his exit.
On-Field Approach and Team Structure
Now, it falls to Nuno to choose whether points are more important than exciting play. West Ham have conceded 14 goals in the opening six Premier League games and are languishing in the relegation zone.
“What shapes the way we play is not only the head coach,” Nuno stated. “It’s the squad that influences how we play. It’s essential to strike an equilibrium between offense and defense. We must avoid attacking recklessly, since that opens up spaces for the opposition. We have to maintain defensive shape, yet still keeping in mind our plan after winning possession.”
Squad Updates
West Ham may see the return of first-team members ahead of the next match against Arsenal. In addition, Nuno left the door open a potential return for an experienced midfielder who was left out in the most recent fixture. The player had a brief stint under Nuno previously, however his temporary stay was concluded prematurely.
