- West Ham United are relegated from the Premier League
- The Hammers finished 18th, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur
- Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to depart the now-Championship club
Nuno Espírito Santo’s future at West Ham is extremely uncertain following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Hammers’ 3-0 win over Leeds United on the final day was ultimately inconsequential, as Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Everton sent West Ham to the EFL Championship after 14 seasons in the top tier.
The focus has now switched to whether Nuno will continue to lead the rebuilding efforts.
Nuno Espirito Santo speaks after ‘tough’ relegation fate decided
Before relegation was confirmed, speculations stated West Ham’s leadership were willing to stick with the Portuguese coach regardless of the league the team would play in next season. However, the club’s current financial and structural issues appear to have severely compounded its position.
The Hammers finished 18th, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, and now face the challenge of trying to attempt an immediate bounce back from the scrappy second tier. Speaking to Sky Sports, Nuno outlined the dressing room’s disappointment and highlighted how it needs to fuel the future.
“Tough, tough day for us,” the Portuguese said. “We knew it was going to be difficult. It was not in our hands. We did our part. It didn’t happen. We have to pass through the sad moment that we are living.
“If you ask me to go back to where and when [our fate was sealed], it is not the moment. It’s the moment to feel this sadness. Like I said, we had a tough mission. The boys tried; they were sure that things could be different for our future. It didn’t happen, but at least we finished at our home, played a good game.
“We won, but it doesn’t take away the sadness. We did many things well, many things [were] punished. Now, it is tough to look back and analyse.
“I just spoke to the boys, they are sad to go through this period. We have to go through the sadness and then think about the rest of it.”
Uncertain Nuno remains tight-lipped on West Ham future
According to The Athletic, relegation has cast doubt on Nuno’s status, despite expectations of a dramatic summer exodus both on and off the pitch. According to the article, relegation clauses might allow West Ham and Nuno to part ways without compensation, making his situation more precarious.
The 52-year-old was appointed last September following Graham Potter’s departure, with the responsibility of saving a team that was already on the verge of collapse. While performances improved at times in the second part of the season, inconsistency eventually proved costly.
Nuno, who won the Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, would not be drawn on speculation about his own future, as West Ham faces a summer of uncertainty.
“For the supporters, for the respect we have for them, it’s not the moment to speak about the future,” he stated in his post-match interview with the UK broadcaster. “It’s the moment to apologise to them, to thank all the supporters.
“One of the things these boys were able to do was to establish a good relationship with the fans, especially at the London Stadium. They helped us so much throughout the game. Today, knowing the result at Tottenham, they gave energy and noise to the boys.
“For the respect for them, we should understand today. Tomorrow, we will start thinking about what we have to do.”
