When the time comes for Nuno Espirito Santo to leave West Ham United months or hopefully years down the line, if he departs to the same reception he received at Nottingham Forest, then he will have done a very good job indeed.
In the space of 17 months, Nuno took Nottingham Forest from the brink of the relegation zone and into the Europa League.
His new employers are actually two places worse off than where Forest were following his appointment in late-2023. Yet, just days into his West Ham United tenure, Nuno Espirito Santo has made quite the impact.
In Monday’s 1-1 draw at Everton, West Ham attempted more shots [14] than in any other game this season. The most penalty-box entries [32], the most touches in the opposition box [29], the most tackles [16], and the most ball recoveries [40].
By his own admission, Hill Dickinson hero Jarrod Bowen has been ‘so impressed’ by Graham Potter’s successor. Having worked with him closely at Wolves, meanwhile, defender Max Kilman believes that Nuno is only just getting started, in every sense.
Yet, speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s daunting trip to Arsenal, Nuno insists that there is only so much one man can do.
He credits Under-21 coach Mark Robson, Under-21 assistants Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville, and head of academy goalkeeping Billy Lepine for helping him settle into East London life.
Nuno Espirito Santo hails Mark Robson and West Ham United academy staff
While The Standard reports that Nuno hopes to have his own coaching staff in place before West Ham host Brentford on October 20th, the former Tottenham coach is keen to point out that he is more than happy with those currently in situ.
Especially those working with the youngsters.
“Hard work! I think everybody at the club is making a big effort to really help and create this knowledge, this bond. We know each other better [compared to a few days ago],” Nuno smiles.
“I am thinking only about tomorrow. We have one session tomorrow, [focusing on] how we can prepare a tough match in this moment.
“The people that are here, the coaching staff of the academy, Robbo, Steve, Gerard, Billy, they are being really helpful. Especially, to give me a deep knowledge about West Ham, about how we are as a club.
“Who better to do that? I cannot thank them enough. For now, we are preparing like this and we are good.”
Nuno wants to get the fans cheering at the London Stadium
That ‘son of Steve’ Freddie Potts was brought on by Nuno at Everton speaks to his intention to place a lot of trust in a talented crop of youngsters. Nuno indicated that George Earthy will have a role to play, too, once he recovers from a hamstring injury which will keep the former Bristol City loanee on the sidelines until November.
That aforementioned Brentford clash, meanwhile, will be Nuno’s first outing at the London Stadium. A win on his home debut will see the 51-year-old move halfway to matching Potter’s tally during that entire eight-month spell.
Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce believes Nuno needs London Stadium success in order to get an unhappy fanbase firmly onside again.
“We are trying to address bringing the fans closer to us,” says Nuno, who recorded an impressive 54 per cent win rate during his home Premier League fixtures at Wolves, Spurs and Nottingham Forest.
“The fans were there in Liverpool, the help they gave us was amazing. And on Saturday, they are going to be there supporting us. It’s up to us to give back what they are giving [us]. My [concern] is about the bond between the team and the fans.
“The boys, when they feel the help from the fans, they feel free. They feel joy when this bond is created. It is really good for the boys.
“Forest was an amazing season for us,” adds the charismatic Portuguese, weeks after leaving the Trent as a modern City Ground icon. “A special season. This is what is more important, the memories you create. We did something really nice there. I am really grateful for the messages from the players, the fans, the staff. It has been memorable.
“We, as managers, we don’t choose, we are chosen. I have pity for Graham, someone I really admire. We have faced each other so many times.
“Huge respect for Graham and his coaching staff.”
