Nuno Espirito Santo has responded to new questions on his West Ham future ahead of the final game of the season but the reality of the situation has been made clear, Hammers News can exclusively reveal.
West Ham’s fight for Premier League survival has come down to the last match of the campaign but it’s not in their hands.
The Hammers must hope Everton, who have little but pride and league position merit money to play for, beat Spurs in north London while emerging victorious from their home clash with Leeds.
Far stranger things have happened in football than West Ham winning at home against Leeds and Everton beating Tottenham.
Nuno coy on West Ham future but the reality is made clear
But the odds are stacked against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side because just one of the nine possible outcomes in the two games keeps West Ham up.
When Nuno arrived to replace Graham Potter in September, the hope was the club would pull clear of relegation danger.
Nuno wants to make YOU proud – so where do you think we finish in the table when all is said and done on Sunday?!
The Portuguese had worked wonders with Nottingham Forest before his sacking after a fallout with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Nuno took far too long to get a tune out of the team and it could end up costing the Hammers dear now.
West Ham have been much-improved since January – which coincided with the arrival of no-nonsense coach Paco Jemez.
But at the final hurdle, the Hammers have stumbled and Nuno has taken a lot of criticism for his team selection and tactics.
Many fans feel his negative approach in games such as Palace and Newcastle have cost the team dear.
Throw in some of the baffling team selections earlier in his tenure against the likes of Brentford and Leeds and West Ham could be home and hosed by now.
West Ham sources: Nuno will leave if Hammers drop
Nuno signed a three-year deal when he joined the club.
Some fans want him to stay regardless of whether West Ham are relegated.
Pretend you’re Nuno – what changes are you making ahead of Leeds? 👀
If anyone says keep the back five, I'll be shocked 😂
Now Nuno has responded on his West Ham future again but the reality has been made clear.
When asked about the season finale and his future beyond it, Nuno said ‘everything will be decided on Sunday’.
And he doesn’t just mean West Ham’s Premier League safety.
“There’s nothing else on our minds bar Sunday,” Nuno said on his future at West Ham ahead of the Leeds clash.
“All the club is focused on Sunday.
“Then it will be a moment to start thinking about it (his future).”
Nuno is not wrong, though, because his future will be decided by the outcome of Sunday’s relegation battle.
Hammers News previously revealed Nuno will leave West Ham one way or another if they drop.
Now a top spokesman for the club’s hierarchy has reaffirmed that will be the case.
A senior source inside the club has told Hammers News, Nuno will definitely not be West Ham manager if they do drop to the second tier.
Hammers News also understands from sources that while Nuno signed a three-year deal, the contract contains an agreement for what is essentially a break clause in the event of relegation.
And the Portuguese is expected to walk even if, as has been reported by some outlets, West Ham would like him to stay to lead them in the Championship.
Hammers News understands three-time Hammer of the Year Scott Parker will be among the possible candidates to replace Nuno – especially as he is a free agent.
There have been claims Nuno could stay if the Irons are relegated because West Ham are simply unable to afford to pay off yet another manager.
But the clause in the contract means that won’t be applicable.
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