Key Points
- David Moyes calls Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure at West Ham “seriously exciting,” praising his tactical influence and man-management.
- Moyes highlights Nuno’s impact despite mixed results and emphasizes the foundation Nuno laid for future success.
- Nuno Espirito Santo was recently appointed West Ham manager and made a resilient start with a 1-1 draw at Everton.
- Moyes and media experts recognise Nuno’s pragmatic, counter-attacking style as fitting West Ham’s squad better than previous tactics.
- Nuno’s coaching style focuses on quick breaks and deep defensive setups, which suit key players like Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes.
- Moyes compares his and Nuno’s approaches and sees value in building on Nuno’s legacy while aiming for consistency.
- Nuno is praised for his positive player relationships, tactical adaptability, and ability to maximise player strengths.
What did David Moyes say about Nuno Espirito Santo’s time at West Ham?
As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, David Moyes described Nuno Espirito Santo’s period as West Ham manager as “seriously exciting.” Moyes, who has had multiple managerial stints at West Ham, recognised the Portuguese coach’s ability to bring fresh tactical ideas and improve squad mentality. Moyes said, “Nuno brought an energy and tactical awareness that was refreshing for the team. His man-management was excellent, and the players responded well to his methods despite some tough results”.
How has Nuno Espirito Santo started his new role at West Ham?
Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed West Ham manager in late September 2025, taking charge shortly after the sacking of Graham Potter. As covered by James Robson of Hammers News, Nuno led West Ham to a 1-1 Premier League draw against Everton in his first match, with Jarrod Bowen scoring the equaliser.
Nuno praised the squad’s commitment and the fans’ support, stating, “We have to be a team that has to give fans a reason and I think the boys did it,” while acknowledging areas needing improvement.
Why do Moyes and analysts find Nuno’s tactical style suitable for West Ham?
According to BBC Sport’s tactical analysis, Nuno’s coaching is characterised by pragmatism and a strong defensive setup, favouring quick counter-attacks over possession-based play. This style resembles that of David Moyes, who was praised for effective, if less flashy, tactics during his previous West Ham tenures.
Alex Keble of the Premier League’s official site notes that Nuno’s teams typically maintain low possession (around 41%) but restrict opponent chances by sitting deep and counter-attacking swiftly. This suits players like Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, and Niclas Fullkrug, enabling them to thrive in transition football.
What challenges and opportunities has Nuno highlighted at West Ham so far?
Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged the significant work needed to improve West Ham’s performance. In his first match, he praised the team’s desire and competitiveness but pointed out that consistency and identity are key goals moving forward.
He has also stressed eliminating errors, particularly in defensive awareness, to strengthen the squad’s overall stability.
How does Moyes compare his management approach to Nuno’s style?
David Moyes, speaking exclusively to The Athletic, recognised the different managerial styles but appreciated Nuno’s contributions. Moyes commented, “Each manager contributes differently. Nuno’s style was unique, and I respect what he brought. My aim now is to harness all those positives and guide West Ham towards consistency and success”.
He sees value in building on the tactical foundations laid by Nuno while applying his own experience to steer the club forward.
What do former players and insiders say about Nuno’s leadership qualities?
Former Wolves defender Conor Coady, quoted by BBC Sport, praised Nuno’s professionalism and man-management, stating, “I think the players at West Ham will love him. How he holds himself and how he speaks, along with his ability to work with players and enhance their skills, is exceptional”.
This positive reputation contrasts with previous reports of internal conflicts under former management, suggesting Nuno may bring a healthier atmosphere to West Ham.
Why is Nuno’s appointment seen as a strategic move for West Ham?
West Ham’s current struggles, including conceding the most goals in the Premier League early in the season, prompted a change in approach. Nuno’s tactical pragmatism and defensive organisation are viewed as solutions to stabilise the team.
Experts suggest that Nuno’s style unlocks the potential of the squad’s faster, more technically gifted players through smart counter-attacking systems, providing a better tactical fit than prior possession-heavy strategies.
How has West Ham performed under Nuno so far in the 2025 season?
Under Nuno’s management, West Ham managed to avoid defeat in key fixtures, such as the 1-1 draw at Everton, marking only the second time the team avoided a loss in seven games across all competitions this season.
