Nuno Espirito Santo and West Ham have the chance to deliver a potential knockout blow to Arne Slot’s Liverpool career on Sunday.
Slot is coming under increasing pressure at Anfield having taken the Reds on their worst run since the 1950s.
Defeat against the Hammers this weekend would make it seven losses from eight Premier League matches and could make the Dutchman’s position at Liverpool untenable.
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Jarrod Bowen vs Liverpool since 2021/22:
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Danger man
Slot has a poor record against Nuno having failed to beat his Nottingham Forest team last season. The Portuguese has also revitalised West Ham since taking over and they are currently on a three-match unbeaten run.
All of this paints a certain picture ahead of Sunday’s match, and as he looked ahead to the game on Friday, Nuno was questioned about the possibility of Slot facing the sack.
Nuno Espirito Santo ready to ‘salute’ Arne Slot
Nuno is no stranger to the pressures of management having been let go by Nottingham Forest after only three games of the Premier League season.
The 51-year-old did an incredible job at the City Ground, but was relieved of his duties nevertheless.
Nuno Espirito Santo pictured before West Ham United's Premier League match against Burnley at the London Stadium.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Asked about the possibility of the same happening to Slot, Nuno admitted that sack rumours simply come with the territory.
“There are always questions about every manager in the Premier League and around the world, raised by the press. It’s part of the industry,” said the Hammers boss.
“I will salute Arne before the game as normal. But my focus is on myself, my team and on us getting the result we want.”
If he does manage to lead his team to that result, he could inadvertently strike a knockout blow to any hope Liverpool still have in Slot.
Nuno Espirito Santo previews Liverpool clash
Nuno wary of Liverpool quality
As well as touching on Slot’s situation, Nuno looked ahead to the match itself on Sunday, claiming that he is still wary of Liverpool despite their current form.
“I look at Liverpool individually for our game – I don’t make major analysis of their form. I’m focused on how we can compete against them and the challenges we have ahead,” he said.
“What we expect is the champions of the Premier League. They have incredibly talented players, who are capable of doing good things, so we have to be ready.
“We can’t predict how they’re going to line up, especially teams like Liverpool who are competing in Europe in midweek. But we know that no matter what, Liverpool will have immense quality all over the pitch, so we will have to be ready for that.”
Liverpool’s quality has never been in doubt, but as they aim to extend their own good form, West Ham will arguably never have a better chance of getting one over on the Reds.
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