Is Nuno the right man for West Ham?

"With West Ham lingering in 19th in the Premier League, the Hammers have opted to bring Nuno Espirito Santo in as Graham Potter's managerial successor. Having managed Wolves and Nottingham Forest, Nuno has consistently shown an ability to raise the level of a squad, exceeding expectations. Although his Tottenham stint was underwhelming, West Ham currently more closely resemble the situation he found himself in when taking charge of Forest."

"Owners across world football are increasingly looking to prioritise coaches with a more possession-based attacking style of play. Despite David Moyes' Europa Conference League triumph in 2023, his approach at West Ham was felt to have less upside than the expansive football other teams play, with supporters often questioning his pragmatic style of play. But Moyes' predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini, and successors Julen Lopetegui and Potter failed to build a successful side in a more ball-dominant manner."

"Across his career Nuno has shown principles that are more in line with Moyes, West Ham's most successful manager over the past decade. Nuno's teams often have less of the ball before counter-attacking quickly. Forest's average possession last season was the third lowest in the league (41%). By sitting deep, his teams limit opponents to low-quality chances and minimal space in behind. Appointing him feels like an admission that the change in style did not suit West Ham and the current crop of players."

Nuno Espirito Santo has a track record of raising squad performance at Wolves and Nottingham Forest, while his Tottenham spell was underwhelming. He prefers pragmatic, low-possession systems that sit deep and counter-attack quickly, with Forest averaging only 41% possession last season. Defensive structures varied from a five-at-the-back at Wolves to starting most Forest games in a 4-2-3-1 and defending in a 4-2-4 when pressing. Those principles focus on limiting opponents to low-quality chances and minimizing space in behind. His appointment at West Ham reflects a belief that a more expansive, possession-based style did not suit the current squad.

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