It would appear that West Ham really do have a totally no-nonsense new manager – one who is clearly not afraid to upset a few people to get what he wants.
Many managers – including the previous occupant of the Hammers’ hot seat – might have chosen flowery language or misdirection to explain unpopular decisions.
Nuno is happy to make unpopular decisions
Direct and Honest: Nuno Explains His Selection Calls
Nuno Espirito Santo, however, went for the blunt approach when asked about the absence of Jean-Clair Todibo and James Ward-Prowse:
“We arrived three days ago, we had to make a squad list. Players understand because I am direct and honest and I explained to them.”
Direct and honest indeed. Leaving out the popular Ward-Prowse would not have been easy, but Nuno insisted it was what was best for the team.
A Refreshing Change from West Ham’s PR Spin
Quite what the West Ham media department will make of his lack of tact is anyone’s guess, but his plain speaking is a refreshing antidote to the kind of spin-laden guff produced by the club’s recent statement to fans.
In his first interview with the club, Nuno was asked about West Ham’s charity work and whether he would get involved in the community. His blunt response made it clear that the peripheral stuff might come later – right now, he is here to win matches and coach the first team. Hallelujah.
Ward Prowse was a constant selection under Potter
Ruthless Decisions Show Who’s in Charge
A day before his arrival at the London Stadium, reports emerged of unrest in the dressing room under Graham Potter. There was discontent over Michail Antonio’s release, questions about tactics, and talk of cliques forming.
Nuno wasted no time stamping his authority, making two ruthless calls by cutting not just underperforming players from the team, but from the squad altogether. Sure, Potter had dropped Todibo, but he still made the bench against Crystal Palace.
This time, Nuno told Ward-Prowse and a £35m defender to stay at home and not even travel with the team. It was a big, potentially unpopular decision – but one that sent a clear message: Nuno is in charge.
Nuno didn’t fancy Ward-Prowse when he was on loan at Forest and clearly that view remains. The player will be gone in Jnuary if they can finda buyer otherwise West Ham will be paying his wages for nothing for the next two years!!!!
As a punishment for being sent off I see Tomas Soucek is playing for the U21’s tonight!
The JWP one is probably that he has seen for many years,JWP is great at being a public face though unfortunately despite the effort he puts in he is ineffective on the field and more often on the losing side. JCT seems to be a different problem, would like to see this lesson learned by him and be transformative because he has quality but if not lets make as much as we can and sell him on.
Tomas Soucek playing for the u21’s tonight, that’ll teach him to get sent off 😊
JWP must have made some impression at Forest. Whatever the case Nuno sees what Potter clearly wasn’t able to see, that he adds nothing. That Potter stuck with him to the bitter end was part of his downfall.
I don’t see how he will be missed, I’d play Fernandes, Magassa, Potts and Earthy ahead of him every time, they all have far more energy and positivity.
That Nuno played Andy Irving a player he knows nothing about but left Ward Prowse at home says it all.
Think I read Todibo had a stomach bug? Was that just made up by some journo or web site do ya reckon?
Considering Todibo was already out of the team and Nuno had already binned Ward Prowse once before this season, I doubt the decision to leave them out was that tough for him.