Nuno Espírito Santo is reportedly facing a growing crisis at West Ham United, with concerns mounting over his management style and tactical approach. Sources indicate a significant deterioration in squad morale, placing the club at increasing risk of relegation from the Premier League. The atmosphere within the London Stadium is said to be rapidly declining following a recent 3-0 defeat against Wolves.
Santo, who took over from Graham Potter in September, has struggled to make a positive impact, securing only two victories in his 15 games in charge. This poor run of form has intensified the pressure on him ahead of a crucial match against Nottingham Forest, his former club. While West Ham appears inclined to stand by their manager for now, his methods are facing increasing scrutiny.
Reports from multiple sources suggest that Santo is perceived as detached and uncommunicative in his day-to-day interactions with the squad. Frustration is also brewing over training methods and team selections that players find confusing. This lack of clear communication has reportedly left some players feeling alienated and uncertain about their chances of getting into the team. Some key players feel they are being played out of position. Instances such as playing full-backs on the wrong side and starting matches without a recognized forward have raised eyebrows within the squad.
Alarm bells have been ringing for some time as the team's performance metrics continue to decline. The dismal performance against Wolves, a team that hadn't won a league game all season, came as no real surprise to many within the club. Sources claim that Santo appeared dispirited on the touchline and offered little in the way of motivation to his players.
Following the defeat to Wolves, Santo apologized to the West Ham fans, describing the performance as "embarrassing" and the worst he has experienced in his career. He acknowledged the team's poor performance and the need for improvement to climb out of the relegation zone. Defender Konstantinos Mavropanos echoed this sentiment, stating that the team needs to "bounce back as quick as possible".
The pressure is mounting on Santo to turn things around quickly, with West Ham sitting in 18th place, four points adrift of safety. The upcoming match against Nottingham Forest is being seen as a critical fixture in their fight to avoid relegation. Some reports indicate that West Ham may already be considering potential replacements for Santo, with Slaven Bilic, who was previously considered for the job, mentioned as a possible candidate.
