by Staff Writer
Friday, 17th October 2025
Nuno Espirito Santo admits he would've preferred to see a full house cheering his new team on in Stratford on Monday evening.
With supporters planning to boycott the game in protest against the club's board and with thousands of seats currently unsold, the London Stadium promises to be considerably less than full when the Sky TV cameras visit Stratford for what will be West Ham's fourth home London derby of the season already.
And Santo will be hoping the match is the first derby this season that won't end in defeat, following reversals against Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Arsenal in the club's opening seven League games of the season.
The new Head Coach, who was addressing the media on Friday lunchtime refrained from commenting on the validity of the boycott but insisted that it was the players' duty to entice the supporters back with improved performances.
Asked to comment on the protests, Santo replied: "I wish they were all there. I hoped that all our fans could join us and help us face Brentford, because it's going to be very tough. It's an honest reflection - it's up to us now to give back to the fans so they can come closer and support us.
"We, as a squad and a group, ignore [any external noise]. We try to focus on the task , perform and compete and play well so the fans can be there. That's what our focus is on."
Santo, who confirmed he will be without injured duo George Earthy and Niclas Fullkrug against the Bees on Monday evening confirmed he had used the two-week international break to get to know his staff and players - those who remained in the UK, at least - better.
And even though he admitted he is still searching for a place to call home, while claiming he spends up to "80 per cent" of his time at work, Santo has also been brushing up on the club's history.
"This international break, it's always hard to work because many players go away," he said. "But those who stay here have worked very well which pleases us and gives us comfort and confidence moving forward."
And asked whether he had already complied a list of targets for the forthcoming January transfer window, Santo insisted that he had not had time to begin scouring the market for potential incomings.
"Looking ahead? Nothing," he replied. "What is important is tomorrow - and most important, is Brentford."
You may view Santo's press conference, in full below.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.