Summary:
- New West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo considers reconnecting players and fans a top priority.
- West Ham drew 1-1 at Everton in Nuno’s first game, with Jarrod Bowen scoring the equaliser.
- Nuno believes in keeping the tactics simple while focusing on minor improvements as players embrace the challenge.
West Ham’s new head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, says his main focus will be to reunite players with fans, a process he acknowledges will take time following Graham Potter’s departure.
On Monday, Nuno’s first game ended in a 1-1 draw at Everton, offering an early glimpse of the type of challenges to be expected. Fans had already been extremely vocal when expressing frustration about management, with plenty of “sack the board” chants heard through Goodison Park in the last few weeks.
However, this didn’t stop Nuno from leading his players over to the travelling supporters as an expression of appreciation and solidarity following Jarrod Bowen’s second-half equaliser.
What I think is important is to appreciate what our fans did traveling to Liverpool on a Monday night and giving the support they’ve given. It’s our main priority to come closer to our fans. We have to deliver so they can appreciate the work of the boys. Moving forward it’s important.
On the pitch, the Portuguese head coach’s players responded with effort and intensity.
I think the team competed well. It’s a tough, tough place to come, a very good team. Overall it was a good game, intense, and both teams had chances. The message for us [to the players] is how we can compete now.
Trying to Find the Right Options
The new boss decided to keep things simple and changes to a minimum, choosing to instead throw the focus on gradual improvements instead of any overhauling tactics.
When you arrive at a club it’s about slowly progressing and trying to find the right options and solutions. Now it’s how we can improve them.
Looking at statistics, West Ham’s performance wasn’t very different from their recent encounters, which wasn’t of any surprise since Nuno had only been in charge for two days. The Hammers recorded 14 shots, which was above their five-game average (10.2), even though fewer reached the target. However, they did record 29 touches in Everton’s box, compared to 19 from previous matches, and their passing proved to be slightly more direct, with emphasis on Crysencio Summerville, who was crucial in several attacks.
Bowen on BBC Radio 5 Live called Nuno’s approach straightforward and focused.
There wasn’t loads of change because he understands there were only two days and it’s been a lot for the players. He just kept it simple and basic. We’ve got a really good group, who want to do well and get us out of the position we’re in. Regardless of any head coach change, we look at ourselves, we take responsibility because we’re the ones who play week in week out. We’ve got to go out on the pitch together and fight in the Premier League every single week.
For Nuno, rebuilding trust with supporters and stabilizing the team will take time, but Monday offered an early sign that the new era is off to a positive start.
Will Nuno make an impact with West Ham? Next up for them is title challengers Arsenal – get the best odds from Non UK Betting Sites