West Ham's manager Confident Hammers Will Transform as Players Accept Accountability for Recent Struggles
Nuno Espírito Santo has declared that the team's squad are eager to change and have taken responsibility for the club's disappointing results over the last year and a half.
The Portuguese manager, who is the third head coach since David Moyes left at the conclusion of the previous campaign, is aiming to improve the mood in the dressing room after taking over from his predecessor recently. The London club have been lacking leadership, and there is a widespread acknowledgment among the players that they played a role to Potter losing his position after less than a year.
“I've encountered a good group of people,” Nuno said. “They are starting to understand that we have to improve our approach. Without change, results will remain unchanged. The players are willing to change. It's evident. So let’s embrace it and transform it.”
“It goes from technical, strategic, fitness-related, mentality, respect, dialogue. Communication is a vital tool for us. We still don’t have it fully. It must become a honest and transparent exchange that we all participate in. They have held themselves responsible and are willing to move forward.”
Nuno's Immediate Focus
The new boss has had minimal opportunity to settle in. He hasn't assembled his coaching team so far, and the ex- Forest manager is not thinking about what West Ham, in 19th place before visiting Arsenal on Saturday, can achieve this season. “My role is straightforward,” Nuno said. “It focuses on tomorrow.”
Defensive Issues for the Hammers
A significant concern for Nuno is bolstering his side’s defense at dead-ball situations. West Ham have shipped eight goals from corners this season – the most recent concession came in his debut, the recent tie at Goodison Park – and will be under constant scrutiny from set plays against their upcoming rivals. The worry for Nuno is that it turns into a psychological problem.
“That's possible,” he said. “But we will attempt to prevent it. The worst thing that can occur is that if an opponent earns a set-piece, we begin right away thinking that we are in trouble. This could become a trauma.”
