Nuno Makes Creating the Hammers Identity His Top Priority
Nuno Espírito Santo feels it will require patience to develop a distinct identity at West Ham United. Having previously managed Forest, who is settling in to his recent appointment, wants to forge a relationship with the team’s heritage on an deeper level.
Discovering the Club’s Ethos
Hired after the recent dismissal of the previous manager, Nuno revealed that veteran members have been filling him in about what it means to be a Hammer. Upon questioning about his view of the famous “West Ham way”, he grinned and stated that it is interpreted differently—many fans view it as attacking play, while others value fighting spirit.
“It’s exactly what I’m trying to understand on a daily basis,” he said. “It goes beyond understanding—the emotion is essential. Patience is required to absorb it. Once we feel it, it’s vital to embody it fully.”
He stressed that feeling is what counts, instead of theoretical knowledge. On the topic of playing identity, Nuno admitted 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 Upcoming Tests
Nuno’s tenure began with an encouraging 1-1 draw on the road. Inquired about how close he is to developing a clear style, he replied, “Personally, I feel quite distant. It’s a tough task and needs total commitment at the club. But it’s a priority.”
Frequently, there is a desire from the fanbase for exciting football. The former manager, the club’s top manager in recent times, eventually faced pressure due to his defensive mindset. Later coaches found it tough altering the playing philosophy in the period after his departure.
Playing Philosophy and Player Roles
Now, it falls to Nuno to choose whether results are more important than exciting play. West Ham have let in a high number of goals in the initial six fixtures and currently sit in a low position.
“What determines the team’s approach is not only the head coach,” he explained. “It’s the squad that influences our approach. It’s essential to find a balance between defense and attack. We must avoid pushing up unbalanced, since that leaves gaps for the opposition. We have to maintain defensive shape, yet still prioritizing what we do when we recover the ball.”
Squad Updates
The club could welcome back important players in preparation for the fixture at Arsenal. Furthermore, the manager suggested a potential return for an experienced midfielder who was omitted in the previous game. The player had a brief stint under Nuno earlier, however his temporary stay was concluded prematurely.
