'A lot of work' - Nuno Espirito Santo issues clear message after West Ham debut

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 30 Sep 2025 04:24 CDT
• 3 min read

News

New West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted “we have a lot of work in front of us” following his side’s 1-1 draw against Everton.

The 51-year-old was confirmed as Graham Potter’s replacement on Saturday and he took charge of his first game as Hammers boss at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

Current ETV

Jarrod Bowen 

F, M (R)

West Ham

Jarrod Bowen 

F, M (R)

West Ham

€48.1M

ETV Range

€43.3M - €52.9M

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A second-half strike from club captain Jarrod Bowen cancelled out Michael Keane’s opener to ensure the spoils were shared at Everton’s new stadium, with West Ham earning just their fourth point of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

“First impression is I think the team competed well,” Nuno told reporters during his post-match press conference. “This is a tough, tough place to come. It was a good game, intense, both teams had chances. The message for us is how we can compete now.

“It’s a simple message. The basics of a football match, defend properly (and) attack. Now we are in the process of knowing ourselves better so we can have good options and solutions.”

He continued: “When you arrive at a club, it’s slowly and progressively trying to find the right options and solutions. Look at the players and try to improve them.

“We are starting now. We have a lot of work in front of us but we are delighted and we embrace the challenge. The players that came in did well and this is what we expect from our squad.”

West Ham target January deal

Although Nuno has only just arrived at the London Stadium, a speculative report from Claret & Hugh suggests that his first signing as West Ham boss could come in the form of Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare.

The 51-year-old is reportedly eager to be reunited with the Ivory Coast international, following a successful stint together at Forest, and West Ham are also known admirers of the player, having attempted to sign him on loan during the summer.

Sangare is expected to feature less under new Forest manager Ange Postecoglou and a January move to West Ham could therefore reportedly be on the cards.

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