Paul Merson has taken aim at the West Ham United board for appointing Nuno Espirito Santo as Graham Potter’s successor, and explained why he’s not a good fit for the role.
West Ham sack Potter after Crystal Palace defeat
West Ham took their time to relieve Potter of his duties, but they finally pulled the trigger on Saturday, and Joe Cole has since suggested it was the correct decision, despite the board’s failure to back the Englishman in the transfer market.
Cole said: “The timing is unusual two days before a game but the writing was on the wall for Graham. To lose three London derbies the way they did wasn’t good enough. I don’t think he was given enough backing, in this transfer window in particular.”
The 50-year-old averaged just 0.92 points per match during his time as manager, which would be relegation form across a standard Premier League season, and the 2-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace last time out was the final straw.
The Hammers wasted no time bringing in a replacement for Potter, confirming the appointment of recently-sacked Nottingham Forest boss Nuno on Saturday evening.
Given that the former Forest manager led the Tricky Trees to Europe last season, it seems like a smart appointment from the West Ham hierarchy, but Merson isn’t convinced he’s the right man for the job.
The former Arsenal player said: “I know they play on Monday, so it’s a bit like getting sacked on Thursday, really. I still don’t get it. It could have been at the start of the week.
“I don’t get the Nuno one. I still like Nuno, I think he did a good job at Forest, but if you saw the way he played there, I can’t see how he can do it at West Ham. The West Ham defenders have been caught for so many goals this season, whereas the defenders at Forest last season were excellent.
“They had forwards who played on the counterattack with pure pace. I just don’t see how it fits. I like Nuno, but I don’t see the fit.”
Nuno needs to be backed by the board
Merson is correct to point out that the Hammers are struggling defensively, having conceded 13 goals in the Premier League already this season, the joint-highest number of any side.
As such, Nuno could need backing in the January transfer window and beyond, and as with any manager, it may take some time for Nuno to get his ideas across, but it is a little harsh to suggest he isn’t the right man for the job.
The Portuguese manager is vastly experienced, and did a fantastic job at Forest, averaging 1.48 points per game to transform them from a relegation-threatened side into Europa League participants.
Nuno’s first test comes against Everton on Monday evening, with West Ham set to travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.
