Is Nuno the Ideal Choice for West Ham?

Introduction of Nuno Espirito Santo

With West Ham currently positioned 19th in the Premier League standings, the club has decided to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo as the new manager following Graham Potter’s departure. Nuno, recognized for his previous roles with Wolves and Nottingham Forest, is known for his capability to enhance a team’s performance beyond expectations.

While his time at Tottenham was less than stellar, the current challenges at West Ham resemble the circumstances Nuno faced when he took the helm at Forest. Ahead of his first match against Everton on Monday, we examine Nuno’s recent season at Forest to gauge whether he is the right fit for the Hammers.

Pragmatism versus Attacking Style

Soccer clubs globally are increasingly leaning towards coaches promoting a possession-based, attacking style. Despite David Moyes achieving success in the Europa Conference League in 2023, his tactical approach elicited criticism from fans, who sought a more dynamic style. Both Moyes’ predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini, and successors Julen Lopetegui and Potter struggled to implement a successful ball-dominant strategy.

Nuno’s coaching philosophy aligns more closely with Moyes, who has been West Ham’s most successful manager over the last decade. Nuno’s teams generally maintain less possession and focus on quick counterattacks. Last season, Nottingham Forest’s average ball possession ranked third lowest in the league at 41%, showcasing Nuno’s strategy of limiting opponent chances by sitting deep and defending.

The decision to appoint Nuno suggests that the previous shift in playing style was unsuitable for both West Ham and its current squad.

What is Nuno’s Play Style?

At Wolves, Nuno was well-known for employing a five-at-the-back formation. However, last season, Forest predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 setup. In moments of defensive action, they morphed into a 4-2-4 structure, but often held a conservative position close to their own goal.

In scenarios where Forest held a lead, Nuno would introduce Brazilian defender Morato and transition to a back five, demonstrating his tactical flexibility. Notably, Forest conceded no points with Morato on the pitch in such situations, even if it meant ceding more space to opponents in the game’s latter stages. The team faced challenges defensively, leaking 12 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches.

Speed and Directness: Key Features

A defining characteristic of Nuno’s strategy is his emphasis on direct attacks. Forest often progressed the ball centrally to striker Chris Wood, whose hold-up play allowed attacking midfielders like Morgan Gibbs-White to capitalize on rebounds. Alternatively, they frequently used quick flank plays, abandoning central ball progression to exploit mismatches on the wings.

Last season, Forest led the league in direct play, with an impressive pace of 2.04 meters per second in advancing the ball forward.

How West Ham Might Line Up

Given Nuno’s counter-attacking style, his appointment appears to be a strategic move. This approach could mitigate West Ham’s weaknesses while capitalizing on the strengths of their players. Recently, the Hammers have encountered difficulties building from the back, and their attempts to create goal-scoring opportunities via prolonged possession have fallen short.

The team has historically shone in transition scenarios, making effective use of players such as Jarrod Bowen. Nuno’s Forest often utilized a rapid attacking strategy to exploit space, a tactic that would benefit West Ham’s swift players like Crysencio Summerville, Lucas Paquetá, and Bowen.

Nuno may initially prefer a five-at-the-back setup for defensive stability but is likely to revert to his favored 4-2-3-1 formation.

Interpersonal Dynamics and Team Environment

Building a team based on player strengths is essential, and tactics play a crucial role in player performance, but the human factor should not be overlooked. Reports indicate that Potter had conflicts with players like Fullkrug, Edson Alvarez, and Jean-Clair Todibo, resulting in a toxic atmosphere. In contrast, Nuno is respected by former players, such as ex-Wolves defender Conor Coady, who commented positively on his managerial style and player relationships.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for West Ham

The challenge ahead for Nuno is to navigate West Ham out of its current plight effectively. His tactical alignment with the existing squad and the strong interpersonal relationships he fosters may be pivotal as the club seeks to recover and progress in the league.

By prioritizing the use of his players’ strengths, Nuno aims to reinvigorate West Ham and enhance their performance in upcoming fixtures.