West Ham legend tells supporters immediate change Nuno Espirito Santo will make

West Ham legend Joe Cole has predicted that Nuno Espirito Santo will make one immediate switch in focus at the London Stadium having been appointed at the successor to Graham Potter.

The Hammers have endured a torrid start to the Premier League season with four defeats in their opening five outings ahead of the trip to Everton on Monday night. West Ham sit 19th in the league at this early stage of the campaign.

There had been questions over the future of Potter in recent weeks with several high profile figures linked with taking over at West Ham. The former Chelsea and Brighton manager took his pre-match press conference on Friday but was then sacked by the club on Saturday morning.

West Ham sack Graham Potter

A statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Graham Potter has left the Club. Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 season have not matched expectations, and the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible.

“The Club can confirm that Assistant Coach Bruno Saltor, First Team Coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, Lead Goalkeeper Coach Casper Ankergren, and Goalkeeper Coach Linus Kandolin have also left with immediate effect.

“The Board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future. The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”

It has been confirmed that former Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is to take over at West Ham and the footballing world has been reacting to that today. One former professional to give his opinion is ex Hammer Joe Cole.

Joe Cole makes Nuno Espirito Santo prediction

The 43-year-old was speaking on TNT Sports and backed Nuno to immediately shore up the defence at West Ham. The London outfit has conceded 13 goals so far this season, the worst in the division.

He said: “Nuno is more defensive and that’s what they need right now. When fans are walking out of games, it’s not good. They need someone who can make them believe again.”

Nuno was only sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier this month and is set to make a swift return to management. He will be in the dugout and in charge for the trip to Everton on Monday.

Speaking about Potter’s time with the club, Cole admitted that his departure had been only a matter of time. He said: “The timing is unusual two days before a game but the writing was on the wall for Graham.

“To lose three London derbies the way they did wasn’t good enough. I don’t think he was given enough backing, particularly in this transfer window.They should have gone, ‘If you’re our guy, here’s your plan, what players do you want?’. Instead, they dithered and were never sure if he really was the man for the job.”

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