Nuno Declares Creating the Hammers Philosophy His Number One Focus
The new West Ham manager feels it will take time to build a clear philosophy at West Ham United. The former Nottingham Forest manager, who is settling in to his new position, aims to bond with the team’s heritage on an emotional level.
Learning the Team Identity
Brought in after the sudden exit of the previous manager, Nuno revealed that veteran members have been filling him in about the club’s inner workings. In response to a query about his understanding of the famous “West Ham way”, he beamed and acknowledged that it is interpreted differently—some see it as gung-ho football, while different supporters prioritize fighting spirit.
“That’s what I’m aiming to comprehend day by day,” he said. “It’s not just learning—we have to feel it. I need time to absorb it. When it becomes part of us, we must make it part of us.”
He emphasized that passion makes the difference, rather than mental comprehension. When it comes to playing identity, Nuno admitted they are not yet close from making it a reality. “Simply saying the ‘West Ham way’—we must build it, we need to embrace it.”
Starting Period and Future Challenges
Nuno’s tenure got underway with an positive equal result at Everton. Questioned about how close he is to forming a team identity, he answered, “In my opinion quite distant. It’s challenging and requires total commitment at the club. However, it’s our main focus.”
Commonly, supporters have a expectation from supporters for attacking play. David Moyes, the most successful manager in recent times, eventually faced pressure due to his defensive mindset. Those who followed had difficulties altering the on-field approach in the post-Moyes era.
Playing Philosophy and Team Structure
Now, it falls to Nuno to determine whether results are more important than entertainment. The team have allowed fourteen goals in the opening six Premier League games and are languishing in the relegation zone.
“What influences the team’s approach is not just the manager,” he explained. “The team itself that decides how we play. We need to strike an equilibrium between offense and defense. We must avoid attacking recklessly, as that creates opportunities for our opponents. It’s vital to defend and organize, while also focusing on our next move when we recover the ball.”
Player Availability
Nuno’s side could welcome back important players for the upcoming match against Arsenal. Furthermore, Nuno suggested a possible recall for a seasoned player who was not included in the last match. The player had a brief stint under the manager previously, though his loan spell was ended early.
