Nuno Believes Hammers Can Change as Squad Members Take Responsibility for Recent Struggles
Nuno Espírito Santo has declared that West Ham’s players are ready to change and have taken blame for the club's poor form over the last year and a half.
Nuno, who is the club’s third manager since the previous manager left at the end of the previous campaign, is striving to shift the atmosphere in the dressing room after replacing Graham Potter recently. West Ham have been lacking guidance, and there is a widespread acceptance among the squad that they contributed to Potter losing his position after eight months.
“I find a good group of people,” the manager said. “They're beginning to realise that we have to improve our approach. Without change, results will be the same. The players are willing to change. It's evident. So let’s accept it and let’s change it.”
“This applies from technical, strategic, fitness-related, mentality, respect, communication. Clear communication is such an important tool for us. We currently lack have it fully. It has to be a fair and transparent exchange that we share. The squad has held themselves accountable and are prepared to move forward.”
Nuno's Immediate Focus
The new boss has had little time to adjust. He hasn't have his coaching team yet, and the ex- Forest manager is not thinking about what West Ham, in 19th place before facing Arsenal on the weekend, can achieve this campaign. “My role is straightforward,” he said. “It focuses on the immediate future.”
Defensive Issues Facing the Hammers
A major concern for the coach is bolstering his side’s defense at set pieces. West Ham have shipped multiple goals from corner kicks this term – the most recent concession came in Nuno’s debut, Monday’s tie at Goodison Park – and will be under constant pressure from set plays against Arsenal. The worry for him is that it turns into a mental problem.
“That's possible,” he admitted. “But we will try to prevent it. The worst thing that can happen is that if an rival gets a corner, we begin right away thinking that we are in trouble. This could develop into a psychological block.”
