I have to admit that one of my guilty West Ham pleasures is watching the [weekly video put out by the club](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVmwQE-gvQY) website, offering a behind-the-scenes view of Nuno Espírito Santo’s training sessions.
Granted, there’s very little on show that the club don’t want you to see, but I’ve always found it fascinating watching how the players train, how they interact with one another, and how they respond to the coaching staff.
Last week, in the build-up to the Premier League [game against Manchester City](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-1-1-manchester-city-player-ratings-as-hammers-move-out-of-relegation-zone/), there was one particular drill which saw Mateus Fernandes attempting to tackle teammates who had surrounded him in a circle. There were plenty of laughs and a real sense of enjoyment, but at one point a slightly robust challenge went in on coach Paco Jémez, who was taking part in the drill.
Upon receiving the contact, Paco began play-acting, indulging in a bit of simulation before rolling around on the ground laughing. It was a fleeting moment and one which had nothing to do with tactics, systems or selection, but it told you everything you needed to know.
Team Spirit Driving West Ham’s Revival
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What stood out was just how much of a laugh the players and coaching staff were having together. It was clear you were watching a group completely at ease — teammates enjoying each other’s company rather than just going through the motions.
Which brings us to that often overused phrase: team spirit. It can sound like a cliché, but in this case, it feels entirely justified. It’s hard to ignore the role it has played in West Ham’s resurgence, and it’s equally clear that Jémez has had a big influence.
“We had to bring joy, make training sessions more dynamic, and get the team to play with less pressure. The team has been finding a different rhythm. We believe in staying up. We’ve managed to level the playing field. There’s more confidence and more joy,” said the Spaniard.
It’s clear to see too, talk of belief is one thing, but it can actually be seen in front of our very eyes whether on the training ground or straight after a penalty shootout victory.