Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to reporters ahead of West Ham United’s trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United, and the Hammers boss has given his verdict on Leeds.
Both sides come into the match off the back of two disappointing results. West Ham suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Brentford, with Keith Andrews’ side outplaying the Hammers despite being away from home.
West Ham also picked up an injury, with Konstantinos Mavropanos now ruled out. Leeds, meanwhile, dominated proceedings against Burnley on Saturday, but were still on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat.
Goals from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna consigned Leeds to defeat, despite having 19 attempts at goal and boasting an XG north of 2.5. Stats that stunned Alan Shearer during his analysis of the game.
Nuno Espirito Santo in a press conference.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo answers questions about Leeds United
Nuno was asked by a reporter about Leeds’ weaknesses and the space the Leeds midfield allowed for Burnley to take advantage. Nuno responded nonchalantly, stating Leeds will be a tough fixture.
Interestingly, Nuno also says he is yet to prepare his players for Saturday’s game in a slightly panicked response to the question. Perhaps, because West Ham only played on Monday and play on Friday.
“We haven’t prepared the team yet and it would be foolish of me to tell you how we’re going to address it,” Nuno said, when quizzed about Daniel Farke’s side ahead of Friday night’s trip to Elland Road.
“What I can tell you, is this will be a very tough game. Leeds is a very good team. I have played there before, tough environment, tough atmosphere. Let’s get ready, the how, maybe in a couple of days.”
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Leeds United injury news and Nuno’s panicked verdict
It is not good news coming out of Leeds. Farke confirmed that Leeds could be without as many as four players for the clash against West Ham, and that he will have to make some late decisions on his side.
Farke confirmed that Willy Gnonto and Noah Okafor remain doubts and are yet to complete an entire training session. Gnonto had a calf issue, and has since undergone a minor hernia operation while out.
Okafor has an adductor issue. Meanwhile, Farke says Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk both missed a training session on Wednesday and are doubts for West Ham. Worrying news from the Leeds gaffer.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
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But Leeds could take confidence from Nuno’s comments. While it will have been tough to prepare for games on both Monday and Friday night, the fact that Nuno hasn’t yet prepared his team is surprising.
Certainly, Leeds will have prepared at this stage having had an extra two days to recover following the Burnley defeat. Perhaps that could just give Farke and Leeds the edge ahead of Friday’s showdown.