Nuno Espirito Santo spoke about the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. This Friday fixture marks a return to Premier League action for West Ham, and it could lay down a massive marker.
‘We believe in each other’
The Irons are looking to bounce back after exiting the FA Cup quarterfinals against Leeds United.
They required two injury time strikes from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi to level the scoreline against the Whites, then two extra time efforts from Valentin Castellanos and Pablo were ruled off for offside positioning before the hosts lost 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the London Stadium.
It is a result the group must shake off: with a late Friday win over Wolves, they leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur to sit on 32 points in 17th place and move out of the relegation zone to kick off their run-in.
“We had a difficult couple of days after Leeds, because we had a lot of hope and belief that we could reach Wembley. It was disappointing, but at the same time, we showed a good reaction in the game, and that we can fight. We didn’t give up until the end. Now, we move forward, realising that our major fight starts on Friday. We are aware of the situation, but we are confident and believe in each other.
“The first time we faced them (in the Premier League fixture in January 2026), it was probably one of the hardest moments we’ve had as a group. It was a really disappointing performance, but we came through that moment and improved a lot, and we’re in a much better place now. It’s going to be a tough game: they’re a good team that is improving. You can see that, but we are ready to compete.
“We’re playing at home, which is a big advantage for us. We know the fans are going to be there, and we know we have a mission in our hands that we’re going to try to fulfil. I truly believe the fans understand the situation that we’re all in, and the need we have for their support. I think they have given us more than we’ve given them, so we have to thank them for everything they do.
“I think Sunday was a clear example that as a group we don’t give up, right until the end, so I hope the fans trust us and support us on Friday, because it’s going to be huge for us.”
‘Everyone goes through ups and downs’
There were also words from the former Wolves boss about two players in his camp.
Outside of the second spell for David Moyes in East London, the Irons have been under pressure throughout their time in the London Stadium. But the experienced Espirito Santo has solidified the squad, and he was happy to discuss the developments of defensive figures in recent weeks.
“We’ve been under pressure since the beginning. Anyone involved in the Premier League, whether they’re a player, a coach, on the board or whatever, is under pressure. We’re under constant scrutiny.
“We are being evaluated with every action that we make. But the players are used to that, and they are ready. The important thing is that we are together as a team, with the fans. It’s always going to be tough, but it’s easier if we can count on the support we have.
“I saw a good game from Max Kilman overall against Leeds. He was involved in the penalty incident, but for a player who’s not involved a lot I thought he did well in possession and his duels.
“He did a lot of good things, and I think he handled the situation well. At the same time, the group helped. I saw his teammates supporting him, and that showed the level of togetherness there is here.
“Everyone in this industry goes through ups and downs, and it’s about how you react to them. I think the reaction of Max was really good.
“[Jean-Clair Todibo] reacted well in recent weeks. When he got the red card [against Chelsea] he was in a good moment, and the team was in a good moment. Unfortunately, we missed him for three games, but he came back.
“Then, he suffered a setback in the warm-up against Aston Villa, but he’s been recovering well. He’s always positive, he’s a very positive boy, and we’re looking forward to having him back with us.”