When Nuno Espirito Santo arrived at the London Stadium, West Ham fans hoped his appointment would bring the same defensive organisation and resilience he’d shown at Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
But so far, things haven’t gone according to plan.
After opening with a scrappy 1-1 draw against Everton, the Hammers have since fallen to three consecutive defeats — against Arsenal, Brentford, and Leeds United — conceding six goals and scoring just once in that time.
Now sitting 19th in the Premier League, pressure is already starting to mount.
And according to a new report, the club’s hierarchy have made a decision on their manager’s future.
West Ham to Keep Faith with Nuno
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
According to The Mirror’s Scott Trotter, the West Ham board remain supportive of Nuno despite his difficult start, and are not planning any drastic changes before January.
“The Irons have made a decision on the future of the former Wolves boss and the January transfer window: West Ham plan to keep faith with Nuno Espirito Santo and not follow in Nottingham Forest’s footsteps by sacking a second manager of the season,” Trotter reports.
It’s a statement that offers a rare bit of stability in what has been a chaotic few months in for Premier League managers.
Nuno himself was brought in from Forest earlier this year, shortly before the Midlands club dismissed his successor Ange Postecoglou after just 30 days in charge.
Trotter adds that: “Despite Nuno’s team selection coming under severe scrutiny following the side’s last two losses against Leeds and Brentford, West Ham are set to back the boss in the January transfer window.”
While it remains to be seen whether results improve, it seems the West Ham hierarchy are determined to avoid a knee-jerk reaction — for now.
Still, patience can only stretch so far. If the poor run continues, faith alone may not be enough to save Nuno from the same fate as those before him.