Nuno 'likely to face difficult questions': storm clouds gathering

Nuno ‘likely to face difficult questions’: storm clouds gathering

By Graeme HannaPublished 2 Nov 2026, 22:45

After a run of just two wins in six games, the storm clouds are gathering for Nuno Espírito Santo at West Ham United.

The optimism of the seven goals in four days that brought encouraging wins away to Lincoln City and Swansea City has been replaced with pessimism.

That is the outcome after the demoralising consecutive home defeats against Southampton and West Brom, respectively.

The Portuguese coach needs an upturn very quickly, but time may not be on his side.

In the short term, it isn’t with just two games until the November international break.

Unfortunately, they are two tricky away ties, at Cardiff City on Wednesday night, followed by Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Two games to change the tone for Nuno

This Guardian article sets out the current reality at the London Stadium.

It details that “Nuno is expected to be given time to turn the situation around but key figures have become increasingly impatient. The manager faced unrest from supporters during the West Brom game.”

West Ham’s largest minority shareholder, Daniel Kretinsky, previously argued for Nuno and made the case for consistency, but the football board will have a big say in this fluid situation.

The Guardian piece continued: “Any decision on Nuno’s future will be a collective board decision. Karim Virani, the interim CEO, and Nils Koppen, the director of recruitment, will have their say.

“West Ham, who visit Cardiff City on Wednesday, are unhappy after a run of two wins in six games and Nuno is likely to face difficult questions if he cannot inspire an improvement before this month’s international break.”

The problem for West Ham and Nuno Espírito Santo is that they arguably have the best squad but they aren’t showing it, and there’s doubt if they can get to the top of the table and stay there over the course of the season.

So far this season, we’ve seen the good and bad of West Ham, again and again. There’s no consistency, and without that, Nuno will struggle to see out the season.