West Ham United’s faith in head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly on shaky ground after his post-match conduct with Nottingham Forest players raised eyebrows at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are allegedly troubled by Nuno’s amiable demeanour towards Forest, particularly following a demoralising 2-1 defeat that left West Ham languishing seven points adrift of safety after 21 Premier League games.
Charged with revitalising the squad after Graham Potter’s tumultuous tenure, Nuno’s appointment was meant to restore defensive stability. However, the atmosphere within the club has deteriorated sharply, with the spectre of relegation looming ominously.
Despite the possibility of overcoming their current deficit, Tuesday’s encounter against Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest was universally seen as a decisive moment. However, with Nuno at the helm and frustration brewing among supporters, the board faces a pivotal decision.
According to The Guardian, the Portuguese manager’s post-match behaviour, including his warm interactions with former colleagues from a successful stint at the City Ground during the 2024/25 campaign, did not sit well with many within West Ham’s ranks.
The report suggests that the club’s board is ‘losing faith’ in Nuno’s ability to steer them clear of relegation. Currently positioned 18th in the Premier League, the Hammers are past the season’s midpoint, and mounting pressure is exacerbated by a winless streak that extends to 10 matches.
Although there is reticence within the hierarchy to initiate a second managerial change this season, dissatisfaction with Nuno’s tactics and public demeanour is palpable. Criticism has intensified regarding Nuno’s judgement in visibly engaging with Forest players on the pitch, with some suggesting it would have been prudent to wait until cameras were off before greeting his old team.
Despite mounting concern over his man-management and tactical approach, the West Ham hierarchy has invested in Nuno’s vision during the January transfer window, securing key signings such as Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe for a combined £47 million. These acquisitions were crucial following Niklas Fullkrug’s loan move to AC Milan, with Callum Wilson poised for a potential exit.
Critical FA Cup and Premier League fixtures against Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur now loom large. These matches could serve as the final litmus test for Nuno’s tenure, with failure against Spurs potentially signalling his departure. Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is widely tipped as the front-runner to succeed him, having been unattached since parting ways with Al-Fateh.
West Ham’s next strategic moves will be pivotal in shaping the remainder of their turbulent season.