West Ham’s “main priority” is bringing the club’s fans and players closer together, says new manager Nuno Espirito Santo but he knows there is “a lot of work” to do.
After recent protests, chants of “sack the board” could be heard during Monday’s 1-1 draw at Everton, Nuno’s first game in charge of the Hammers after replacing Graham Potter.
But, after Jarrod Bowen’s second-half equaliser had earned them a spirited point, the former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss took his players over to the travelling supporters at the end of the match in a show of unity and togetherness.
“What I think is important is to appreciate what our fans did traveling to Liverpool on a Monday night and giving the support they’ve given,” he said. “It’s our main priority to come closer to our fans.
“We have to deliver so they can appreciate the work of the boys. Moving forward it’s important.”
After beginning his tenure with a point on the road, Nuno said his players will “embrace the challenge”.
“I think the team competed well,” the Portuguese manager said. “It’s a tough, tough place to come, a very good team.
“Overall it was a good game, intense, both teams had chances. The message for us [to the players] is how we can compete now.”
Nuno said he has avoided making too many changes to West Ham’s tactics and is instead focusing on making incremental improvements.
“Simple, don’t change too many things,” he responded when asked about his approach. “When you arrive at a club it’s about slowly progressing and trying to find the right options and solutions. Now it’s how we can improve them.”