Nuno Espirito Santo has explained whether the West Ham players let him down in their 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.
Many Hammers fans would argue that Nuno made a crucial mistake by not selecting a more attacking starting eleven.
Having said that, the Portuguese boss cannot be blamed for several individual mistakes that led to Newcastle’s goals
We are all but relegated — how would you feel about keeping Nuno in the Championship? 🧑💼
Or was that performance the last straw? 😡
Nuno delivers honest verdict on West Ham players following Newcastle loss
Despite picking five defenders and two holding midfielders, West Ham were regularly cut open in the first half.
Eddie Howe’s side had a field day at St. James’ Park, as the Hammers looked as though they had no idea how to stop them.
This would suggest that either Nuno’s game plan was completely wrong or that the players failed to follow his instructions.
Well, the 52-year-old refused to blame his players in his post-match press conference following West Ham’s defeat.
“No, not about that. Let’s take a look at the game. We started poorly and were soft,” he told Sky Sports.
That couldn’t have gone much worse! Can you explain what went wrong? 😞
“Let’s try to finish the season with dignity and respect the club. We owe it to the club to try until the end.”
Nuno also discussed the West Ham supporters, as they criticised the team loudly after the full-time whistle.
As Mateus Fernandes also did in his interview, Nuno had no complaints with the fans after his team put in a sub-par display.
“I understand, I understand they are disappointed,” he added. “They saw a team that has been struggling through the season.
“They show their frustrations to me and my decision; we understand them.”
Nuno must pick his players before next weekend’s match against Leeds, assuming that West Ham have something to play for.
If Tottenham draw or win at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, the Hammers’ place in the Championship will be sealed.
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