Nuno Declares Building West Ham Identity His Top Focus
The new West Ham manager feels it will take time to develop a unique playing style at the London club. The former Nottingham Forest manager, who is adjusting to his recent appointment, aims to bond with the organization’s traditions on an emotional level.
Absorbing the Club’s Ethos
Brought in after the sudden exit of his predecessor, Nuno mentioned that experienced club employees have been educating him about life at West Ham. When asked about his interpretation of the famous “West Ham way”, he smiled and stated that it is interpreted differently—many fans view it as gung-ho football, while others value passion and resilience.
“That’s what I’m working to grasp every day,” he said. “It goes beyond learning—we have to feel it. It takes time to internalize it. When it becomes part of us, we need to embed it within.”
He stressed that feeling is what counts, rather than theoretical knowledge. When it comes to style and culture, Nuno admitted they are not yet close from realizing it. “It’s not enough the ‘West Ham way’—we have to develop it, we need to embrace it.”
Early Days and Long Road Ahead
The new manager’s start kicked off with an promising equal result away to Everton. Inquired about how close he is to forming a clear style, he replied, “I think quite distant. It’s a tough task and demands total commitment at the club. But it’s a priority.”
Frequently, there is a desire from the fanbase for entertaining style. David Moyes, historically achieving West Ham boss, eventually faced criticism due to his defensive mindset. Later coaches also struggled changing the playing philosophy in the years following his exit.
Style of Play and Team Structure
Nuno has been tasked to choose whether results are more important than entertainment. West Ham have conceded 14 goals in their first six fixtures and currently sit in the relegation zone.
“What shapes the team’s approach is not only the head coach,” Nuno stated. “The team itself that decides how we play. It’s essential to find a balance between the two phases of play. We must avoid pushing up unbalanced, because that creates opportunities for our opponents. It’s vital to be solid at the back, but always prioritizing our next move when we recover the ball.”
Squad Updates
Nuno’s side could welcome back first-team members ahead of the next fixture at Arsenal. In addition, Nuno suggested a possible recall for a seasoned player who was not included in the most recent fixture. The player had a brief stint under the manager previously, however his loan spell was concluded prematurely.
