Nuno Espírito Santo Makes Creating West Ham Identity His Top Focus
The new West Ham manager believes it will require patience to establish a clear philosophy at West Ham United. Having previously managed Forest, who is getting accustomed to his new position, aims to bond with the organization’s traditions on an personal level.
Discovering the Team Identity
Appointed after the abrupt departure of his predecessor, Nuno revealed that experienced club employees have been educating him about what it means to be a Hammer. When asked about his view of the club’s famous identity, he smiled and stated that it carries various meanings—some see it as attacking play, while other emphasize passion and resilience.
“This is what I’m working to grasp every day,” he explained. “It goes beyond understanding—it must be felt. I need time to absorb it. When it becomes part of us, we must make it part of us.”
He stressed that passion is what counts, instead of theoretical knowledge. When it comes to style and culture, Nuno stated they are still far from realizing it. “Merely talking about the ‘West Ham way’—let’s create it, we need to embrace it.”
Early Days and Upcoming Tests
Nuno’s tenure kicked off with an encouraging 1-1 draw on the road. Inquired about the proximity he is to establishing a team identity, he answered, “Personally, I feel quite distant. It’s difficult and requires a collective push at the club. But it’s a priority.”
Frequently, there is a expectation from the fanbase for entertaining style. The former manager, historically achieving West Ham boss, eventually faced criticism due to his defensive mindset. Subsequent managers found it tough altering the team’s style in the period after his departure.
Playing Philosophy and Player Roles
The responsibility now lies with Nuno to choose whether results are more important than entertainment. West Ham have let in fourteen goals in the initial six fixtures and are languishing in 19th place.
“What influences the style of play is not the coach,” he explained. “The team itself that determines our approach. We must find a balance between offense and defense. We cannot pushing up unbalanced, because that opens up spaces for our opponents. It’s vital to be solid at the back, yet still prioritizing what we do after winning possession.”
Player Availability
Nuno’s side could welcome back important players in preparation for the trip to the Emirates. Also, the manager suggested a comeback chance for an experienced midfielder who was omitted in the last match. He previously worked under the manager earlier, however his loan spell was concluded prematurely.
