Add as preferred source on Google
An optimistic Nuno Espirito Santo feels West Ham United are in a much better place than they were last time the Premier League survival-chasers faced Wolves in early January.
A ‘better place’ both in figurative and literal sense.
The Hammers suffered a Molineux mauling by rock-bottom Wolves three months ago. Since then, Nuno has successfully reeled in Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and even Leeds; from cut adrift in the bottom three to within four points of 16th.
The Hammers have a score to settle… ⚒️ v 🐺
What do YOU want to see in Friday’s six-pointer?
The fact that West Ham United host Wolverhampton Wanderers, the head coach adds, also bodes well for a more positive result.
West Ham United have a much-improved home record under Nuno Espirito Santo
Nuno was speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday lunchtime.
“It’s going to be a tough game. The first time we faced them [in that January defeat] was probably one of the hardest moments we had as a group,” Nuno recalls, West Ham finding themselves 3-0 down at half-time away to a side who hadn’t even won a single one of their previous 19 league matches.
“It was a really disappointing performance.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
“But we are confident we are going to improve. We play at home, which is a big advantage for us. The fans are going to be there and we have a mission to fulfil.”
Predecessor Graham Potter famously endured a dismal London Stadium record during his eight-month reign. Nuno, ever since day one, has spoken about the need to create a greater connection between the players and an often distant fanbase.
The Hammers have played seven home matches in league and cup since losing to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest just three days after that Wolves disaster. Not including penalty shoot outs, West Ham have not lost any of those seven games.
The atmosphere, particularly pre-kick-off against Leeds and during the valiant 1-1 draw with Man City, is night and day compared to a few months back.
Wolves’ away record, unsurprisingly, is the worst in the division. They have only five points from a possible 45 on their travels.
“[This will be] a tough game. Good team, improving, so we expect a tough opponent. But we are ready to compete,” Nuno adds.
“[January] was a long time ago! What I know was that it was a disappointing performance, but we came through it. We improved a lot. We are in a better place now.”
Hammers much bounce back from FA Cup disappointment
Nuno is now imploring his team to bounce back from another crushing disappointment; Sunday’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Leeds.
“This is how we approach life; ups and downs. It’s up to us to react. It’s different now; the moment is different. The players are in a better place, I believe, so we are confident.
Nuno has a few selection dilemmas before Wolves arrive on Friday
Who would you pick in the manager’s shoes?
Pick your winners from these selection debates!
“It was a couple of difficult days, as you can imagine. We had a lot of hopes and believed that we could reach Wembley. We are disappointed but, at the same time, the way we did it showed that we fought, we reacted, and we didn’t give up.
“We move forward, realising that our major fight is starting Friday.”
Nuno hopes to have Crysencio Summerville back, alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos, Callum Wilson and Jean-Clair Todibo. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should make his delayed return, too, following DR Congo’s controversially-lengthy World Cup celebrations.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox