Ex-West Ham striker Jermain Defoe thinks Nuno Espirito Santo was the “obvious” candidate to replace Graham Potter at his former club.

Some have raised questions about the fact that the new Hammers head coach does not play the attacking brand of football which most fans would like to see, but Defoe feels his “throwback” style has proven to be very effective:

“I think Nuno is probably the obvious choice. He was obviously unfortunate with what happened to him, losing his job at Forest. I thought he did an unbelievable job at Forest; the results, European football, the way they played…”

“Last season, watching Nottingham Forest, they were like a throwback team, if that makes sense. First things first, [they were] difficult to play against, the team worked hard, had good individuals at the top end of the pitch who can make a difference. Played in transitions, had the quality, had a goalscorer.”

Nuno needs to get results

Due to his style of play, the Portuguese manager knows he will not get much sympathy if the club’s form does not pick up quickly.

Nuno’s deep-lying defence and counter-attacking philosophy is anathema to the club’s beliefs, and even successful managers such as Sam Allardyce and David Moyes struggled to win over the entire fanbase playing in that manner previously.

For that reason, Nuno knows that results will be key to him staying in the job. After a draw against Everton and a defeat to Arsenal in his first two matches, a win needs to be found from somewhere sooner rather than later.

West Ham are not in a position to be picky

Most supporters will be willing to weather the negative style of play if it does end up moving the team away from the relegation places.

After 7 games played, the Irons find themselves sitting 19th in the Premier League table, with four points and just one win.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here