Key Points
- Nuno Espírito Santo appointed as West Ham United Head Coach, signing a three-year contract.
- He expressed pride and happiness at joining West Ham and readiness to work hard for the club.
- Nuno emphasised building strong bonds within the squad and with the supporters.
- He highlighted the importance of knowing his players intimately and preparing them day by day.
- The Portuguese coach praised the competitive nature and quality of the Premier League.
- He discussed the vital role of fans and the local community in East London.
- Nuno spoke about his passion for football and commitment to improving his squad.
- Reflected on integrating into the West Ham family as a united community.
- He outlined the challenge ahead, including preparing for the Premier League fixture against Everton.
- Nuno’s coaching philosophy focuses on responsibility, commitment, and creating a strong team identity.
What did Nuno Espírito Santo say about his appointment at West Ham United?
As reported directly from the official West Ham United website in an exclusive interview conducted by West Ham TV at the Rush Green training ground, Nuno Espírito Santo said, “It feels good. I’m very happy to be here. Honoured and ready to work. I’m glad to face the challenge.” The 51-year-old Portuguese coach has signed a three-year contract and immediately set about getting to know his squad ahead of their Premier League game against Everton on Monday.
Nuno acknowledged the club’s stature, stating, “This is a big, big Club. There are expectations, but before all the expectations, all the achievements that we desire, that we want to do, we must create a platform of knowledge, of coming closer to the fans, the team and the fans. And from there we can start building.” He is focused on laying strong foundations for success, both on and off the pitch.
How does Nuno Espírito Santo plan to build relationships within the squad and the broader West Ham community?
In the interview with West Ham TV, Nuno emphasised the need to forge strong bonds within the West Ham family. “We have to become as a family. We have to realise that we are the ones that represent the community. The community sees us as a mirror, as an image that they want to [be], so that’s why we have to make strong values. We have to be respectful to each other,” he stated.
He acknowledged the importance of the Claret and Blue Army, saying, “The supporters are very important, very important. That’s why I truly believe what we want to achieve is a platform to be able [to build from]. Now is not the moment to ask the fans. Now is the moment to deliver to the fans. I think we have to give them, so then they can give us back.”
He added, “When we have this bond, when other teams come to play against us, it’s going to be hell. But we have to achieve this bond first. We have to protect each other, all of us inside of the building, the fans, everybody. Everybody that really cares about West Ham has to protect each other”.
What are Nuno’s initial responsibilities as West Ham’s head coach?
Nuno spoke candidly about the importance of understanding his players thoroughly, remarking, “I’m trying to, as soon as possible, know all the players. I think I know them better than they know me, because it’s like that. We are coaches and we try to take all the info that we can about the players.” He underscored the need for daily effort: “Day by day, and you’ll listen to me many times speaking about this but it’s what I believe, it’s day by day, each day has to be the best one of us.”
He acknowledged the immediate challenge of preparing for their Premier League fixture at Everton, describing it as a “tough game” and underscored the importance of work-rate and focus from all involved.
How does Nuno Espírito Santo view the Premier League and his passion for coaching?
Nuno described the Premier League as “the best one. It’s the most challenging. It’s where the best players are,” reaffirming why he relishes coaching in England’s top division. “It’s what we love, to compete here in the Premier League,” he said.
He also revealed his deep connection to football, describing it as his life: “My life is football since I know myself. So it’s my routine. I wake up, I go to sleep thinking about football. Now in my head is ‘how can I make these players better? How can I improve them?’ If I improve the player, I improve the team. The team will improve the club.”
Nuno reflected on what fuels his love for the game: “We love the game. We are here because we love the game, isn’t it? So, what we want to do is to enjoy, but be responsible, be committed. And this is how I take my life – trying to come and help, come to try and give new solutions, new things, things that can make us better”.
What does Nuno Espírito Santo say about the squad and its potential?
Talking about the team, Nuno acknowledged the long-standing familiarity with many players through previous Premier League matches. “We know each other, like I said to you before. It’s been many years. We faced [each other] many, many times. We know each other, even as opponents.” He pointed out the fresh beginning at West Ham, “But now it’s a new beginning for everybody. It’s a new process that we really have to know, and we find out who we are and what we want to be.”
He stressed the importance of understanding themselves first before creating an identity. “First of all, we have to realise who we are, and then we can create an identity. But first of all, we have to know each other really, really well”.
What is the wider context of Nuno Espírito Santo’s appointment at West Ham?
Nuno’s arrival follows the club’s decision to part ways with former head coach Graham Potter after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 season. Potter was dismissed following a run where West Ham gained just three points from five Premier League matches, sitting near the bottom of the table.
As reported by Sean Gillen of PortuGOAL, Nuno returns to Premier League management three weeks after leaving Nottingham Forest amid disagreements with their board. West Ham’s board appointed Nuno on a three-year deal, underlining their faith in his ability to turn around the club’s fortunes.
The significant task ahead includes immediate preparation for the next game against Everton and building a platform for longer-term success with West Ham United.
How do media outlets view Nuno’s appointment and first interview?
The general media response highlights Nuno’s professionalism, optimism, and pragmatic focus on relationship-building within the club and the fans. His emphasis on responsibility and steady progress has been seen as a positive corrective after the club’s recent struggles.
West Ham’s official channel showcased the personal tone in his interview, reflecting a coach who prioritises connection and disciplined preparation. Other sports news outlets have welcomed his pragmatic approach, recognising the challenges West Ham faces but noting Nuno’s readiness to apply his extensive Premier League experience to the task at hand.
