West Ham's players are growing increasingly disillusioned with their boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who is struggling to connect with his squad on a day-to-day basis. The mood at the London Stadium has taken a turn for the worse after Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Wolves, which leaves West Ham in grave danger of relegation from the Premier League.
Since taking over as manager in September, Nuno has won just two of his 15 games and is under intense pressure ahead of Tuesday's crucial match against Nottingham Forest. Sources close to the club say that Nuno is becoming increasingly distant and uncommunicative with his players, fueling frustration over confusing training methods and team selections.
Some key individuals have expressed feelings of alienation, believing they've been played out of position in certain games. The squad has also suffered from inconsistent performances, including shocking defeats by Leeds and Brentford earlier this month. With morale rapidly declining, it's a wonder Nuno's players can muster the energy to mount a fight against relegation.
The situation is made worse by Nuno's decision to sideline midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who hasn't been involved in any matchday squads since his appointment. The 31-year-old has also had a previous spell at Forest under Nuno last season before being loaned out, sparking questions over the boss's judgment on player selection.
Despite West Ham's board showing reluctance to make another sacking this season, there are growing concerns that Nuno is no longer fit to manage the team. With significant reinforcements on the way – including £26.1m signing Taty Castellanos from Lazio and Adama Traoré from Fulham for £7m – it's a worrying sign for West Ham fans that they're being led by someone who seems out of touch with his players' needs.
As tensions rise, speculation is rife about a possible exit for Nuno before the end of the season. Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been linked with a return to the club, but it remains to be seen if he'll be available on short notice or if the board will stick by their current boss despite his growing unpopularity among players and fans alike.
Since taking over as manager in September, Nuno has won just two of his 15 games and is under intense pressure ahead of Tuesday's crucial match against Nottingham Forest. Sources close to the club say that Nuno is becoming increasingly distant and uncommunicative with his players, fueling frustration over confusing training methods and team selections.
Some key individuals have expressed feelings of alienation, believing they've been played out of position in certain games. The squad has also suffered from inconsistent performances, including shocking defeats by Leeds and Brentford earlier this month. With morale rapidly declining, it's a wonder Nuno's players can muster the energy to mount a fight against relegation.
The situation is made worse by Nuno's decision to sideline midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who hasn't been involved in any matchday squads since his appointment. The 31-year-old has also had a previous spell at Forest under Nuno last season before being loaned out, sparking questions over the boss's judgment on player selection.
Despite West Ham's board showing reluctance to make another sacking this season, there are growing concerns that Nuno is no longer fit to manage the team. With significant reinforcements on the way – including £26.1m signing Taty Castellanos from Lazio and Adama Traoré from Fulham for £7m – it's a worrying sign for West Ham fans that they're being led by someone who seems out of touch with his players' needs.
As tensions rise, speculation is rife about a possible exit for Nuno before the end of the season. Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been linked with a return to the club, but it remains to be seen if he'll be available on short notice or if the board will stick by their current boss despite his growing unpopularity among players and fans alike.