by Staff Writer
Thursday, 19th February 2026
Nuno Espirito Santo was in positive mood as he sat down for a brief chat with the assembled media pack ahead of Saturday's Premier League test against high-flying Brentford.
During the presser he faced questions on Vinicius Junior, injuries, renewed form and Taty Castellanos - the answers to which you may read below...
Q: I'd like to ask you about the events concerning Vinicius Junior this week, which I'm sure you'll be aware of. He has reported being the victim of racist abuse during a match and of course that's been investigated. Jose Mourinho has perceived some criticism for saying that his celebration made the situation worse. I just want to ask you what have you made of that situation?
NES: That situation and all the situations that involve racism, I condemn. There's no place for racism in football or in society. And for me, it's final. I totally condemn it.
Q: And do you feel that authorities in football are doing enough to make sure that there is no racism?
NES: I hope so. They continues and try to eradicate it all over the world. That's my view. It's finished.
Q: Thank you. Now, onto the match. I'll ask you first about injuries. Can you tell me a little bit about Pablo? I know you spoke about the Injury. Do you have any more clarity on that?
NES: Yeah, we have to go day by day, assess him. He's getting better each day so hopefully he can join us soon.
Q: And the rest of the team: is everybody else well?
NES: Yeah, everybody's ok. Working well and working hard, getting ready for Saturday.
Q: And on Saturday, you are three points behind Forest in the table now - a big opportunity to go level with them before their game on Sunday? Are you seeing this as a game that you absolutely cannot lose?
NES: No, I see it as another game that we have to focus on ourselves, do our jobs and ignore what's happening with other teams. It's a massive game for us, an important game at home. Expect again a good atmosphere at the London Stadium. The fans helping us means we can overcome together.
Q: And welcoming Bournemouth, of course, who are in good form at the moment, much like yourselves. What will the approach be from your side?
NES: Play the game, realise that it's a tough opponent that is in good dynamic playing good, getting good results. Good players, good manager. We know it's going to be tough, but it's up to us to try and produce a good performance.
Q: Bournemouth, they're unbeaten in their last six Premier League games. How would you compare them to West Ham right now in terms of form, in terms of the results coming into this match? What kind of a test will this?
NES: it's a big test. They're a good team. It's not about comparing, it's about realising the threats that they have, the good players that they have and trying to contain them. At the same time it's very important for us, I think the need that we have overcomes everything. It's up to us to try and play a good game.
Q: I wanted to try and get an insight into how your team have developed during this relegation battle. I interview them week in, week out. I would say there are really nice bunch of lads, of players. Do you think that with this relegation battle, with the challenge that they've had, they're developing a tougher mentality, a killer mentality, a ruthless approach? Have you seen any change in the way that your players approach games now?
NES: I don't see much difference because I see them play every day, train and preparing themselves. What I realised is there is a commitment, a desire to get out of this situation. And this is every day you see them work, we see them getting ready for the game, seeing them speaking to each other, helping each other. This is what we want, the togetherness that we need. Character; I think we've been able to show character under tough, circumstances.
Q: Talking about character, I interviewed Taty Castellanos this week and we were speaking about the fact that he signed on the Monday and the very next day he was in the starting line-up for such a big game against Nottingham Forest. We spoke about how crazy those 24 hours were. But of course, he's done really well to have never played in the Premier League, to come into this sort of situation and to be playing as well as he's playing. Have you been surprised at that, or is that something that you looked at before you signed?
NES: I think we're lucky to have him. Since he's joined I think he's brought a lot of good things to the team. The energy, the hard work, the goals, the way he plays football, that is more and more important. But yes, we had a look at him. We decided to bring him in because we believed in him and because there was a clear need of a of a player in that position.
Q: In terms of the relegation battle, with the gap being just three points now from your point of view how are you feeling going into these next run of games? I know you say you take it game by game, but are you relishing that battle and is that something that you want the players to feel rather than feel fear? Do you want them to feel like they are ready for the battle?
NES: They are ready for the battle. This is what we work on, getting ready. Try to get as many details for them to perform. They are ready.
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