Hammers video reveals big training shift ahead of Arsenal clash

Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival at West Ham has helped steady the sinking Potter ship. In the last few weeks the training videos had taken on a quiet, almost silent quality, very little shouting or banter: As many had previously commented, no leaders on the pitch.

It was as if the players already knew what was coming and were putting their bodies into training rather than heart and soul. Potter hardly appeared in in front of the camera during the filmed training sessions : Unlike todays whufc.com ‘inside Rush Green‘ offering: Not surprisingly, Espirito Santo is front and centre.

His is not an affable, amiable coaching style. He tells. He demands. His players listen.

The ‘noise’ around the training ground is back as the players engage with their new coach and begin to sound like a team of fit young men again: Gone is the training in silence that categorised  the end of both Lopetegui’s and Potter’s tenures.

New coach brings a new mood at Rush Green

Aaron Wan Bissaka looks to be fit and firing again: Training – ground tackles are always with reduced bite but the Hammers defender certainly doesn’t hold back in the featured section of the video, suggesting his return to the starting XI may be close. His coach is heard constantly demanding ‘one more run, Aaron, one more run’ whist clapping, cajoling and demanding more of his players.

For the cameras? Unlikely. A change in style undoubtedly, refreshing after the sterile days of silent Potter cupping his chin and trying to look like he was in deep thought.

You’d almost call it a ‘buzz’ around the training ground again. Which is a big shift and has, in fact, been missing for a long, long time. Great oaks from little acorns grow: As Nuno said himself this afternoon:

“We know we are going to face a tough opponent. A good test for us. Let’s test ourselves. It’s good.”