Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for Arsenal
Building a new identity
Nuno Espirito Santo, now at the helm of West Ham, is keen on developing a strong team identity. Filling in for Graham Potter, after he was let go, Nuno acknowledges that creating this identity demands time and dedication. He is committed to embracing the club’s unique culture wholeheartedly.
Understanding the West Ham way
Immersing himself in the storied “West Ham way,” Nuno seeks to truly grasp its essence. To some, it’s all about playing exciting football, while others see it as embodying passion and tenacity. Nuno emphasizes that feeling this identity is as crucial as understanding it, stating, “We have to feel it. I need some time to feel it.”
Challenges ahead
Kicking off his tenure with a 1-1 draw against Everton, Nuno is acutely aware of the complexities of crafting a solid identity. He considers the task formidable, admitting he’s not close to reaching this goal. “I think very far,” he comments, understanding the collective effort required by the entire club.
Finding the right balance
West Ham fans crave thrilling football, a desire that placed previous managers under pressure when outcomes did not impress. Nuno, known for a counterattacking approach, faces the task of balancing results with entertainment. He believes the team’s style should reflect the players’ strengths and not only his strategy.
Upcoming matches
As West Ham readies themselves to confront Arsenal on Saturday, important team members like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo might return. Additionally, Nuno hinted that James Ward-Prowse could be back in the lineup following his absence against Everton. Ward-Prowse worked with Nuno briefly at Nottingham Forest last season.