West Ham’s season went from bad to worse on Monday night as they fell to a dismal 2-0 defeat to Brentford at the London Stadium — a scoreline that flattered the hosts.
It could easily have been four or five, with the Hammers looking lifeless, disorganised and completely devoid of confidence.
The fans who stayed until the end made their feelings clear, booing the team off the pitch after another miserable display that leaves Nuno Espírito Santo still searching for his first win as manager.
Others didn’t even bother staying — or coming at all — with parts of the stadium half-empty as protests grow against the running of the club.
Now, the West Ham boss has responded to the growing frustration.
Nuno Responds to Boos
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
Speaking on the Brentford defeat, Nuno admitted he fully understands the fans’ anger, insisting it’s on him and his players to win back their support.
“I think we are all concerned,” he said, according to BBC Sport. “You can see our own fans are concerned. Concern becomes anxiety, becomes silence. That anxiety passes to the players. We have a problem.”
Unlike many managers who might deflect or criticise supporters, Nuno didn’t shy away from accountability. He accepted that performances must improve before the atmosphere can.
“It’s up to us to change. The fans need to see something that pleases them and they can support us and give us energy,” he said. “I understand it, I understand it totally, and I respect it. It’s up to us, it’s up to us to change it. We are the people who have to pull the fans back together.”
It’s a refreshing bit of honesty — but words will only go so far.
If West Ham’s form doesn’t improve soon, the toxic mood around the club will only deepen, and patience in the stands could run out entirely.