New boss stresses importance of reconnecting with supporters after Everton draw
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that his immediate focus is rebuilding the bond between the club and its supporters. The Portuguese coach, who took charge earlier this week following Graham Potter’s dismissal, oversaw his first game on Monday night—a 1-1 draw away at Everton.
The travelling Hammers fans voiced frustration towards the club’s board with chants of “sack the board” during the match, but Nuno believes his side can bring the supporters back onside with commitment and unity.
“Fans are our main priority”
After Jarrod Bowen’s second-half equaliser earned a point at Goodison Park, Nuno and his players went over to applaud the away end—a deliberate act of solidarity.
“What I think is important is to appreciate what our fans did, travelling to Liverpool on a Monday night and giving us that support,” Nuno said. “It’s our main priority to come closer to them. We have to deliver so they can value the work of the players.”
The new manager admitted there is “a lot of work to do” but insisted the group is ready to embrace the challenge.
A measured start to life in charge
Nuno resisted the temptation to overhaul West Ham’s approach in his first match, preferring instead to make small adjustments.
“Simple—don’t change too many things,” he explained. “When you arrive at a club, it’s about progressing step by step and finding the right solutions. Now it’s about improving what we have.”
The statistics reflected only minor tweaks, as expected given he had just two days to work with the squad. West Ham registered 14 shots—above their season average of 10.2—but only a handful tested the Everton goalkeeper. More notably, they managed 29 touches inside the opposition box, 10 more than their average across the opening weeks.
Bowen: “He kept it simple”
Goalscorer Jarrod Bowen praised Nuno’s straightforward approach, saying it helped the players focus on competing rather than overthinking.
“There wasn’t loads of change because he understands it’s been a whirlwind for the players,” Bowen told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He just kept it simple and basic. We’ve got a really good group who want to do well. We take responsibility because we’re the ones on the pitch week in, week out.”
Bowen added that the squad is determined to fight their way up the table regardless of who is in charge:
“We’ve got to go out on the pitch together and fight in the Premier League every single week.”
What it means for West Ham
While a point at Everton doesn’t immediately transform their season, the performance suggested a team willing to respond to a new voice in the dressing room. With Nuno stressing gradual improvement rather than drastic change, the Hammers’ next challenge will be turning this early spirit into consistency—on the pitch and in the stands.
