West Ham: ‘We have to pull the fans together’ – why Nuno has a ‘big job’

There were empty seats before West Ham took on Brentford in their London Derby. And a lot during the game. And even more so when the game is almost over.

The fans that were left put their team on their team after a truly miserable 2-0 loss that quickly turned into 5-0.

These are toxic times at the London Stadium, with some fans remaining in a protest against the club’s run.

New Hammers Boss Nuno Esphiro Santo – Despite winning after three games – admitted that the players have to work to win over the fans.

There is no sugar-coating this performance by the head coach in his post-judgement.

“Bad. Poor,” said the Portuguese, who took charge of his first ham game at West Ham since Graham Potter’s recovery, after two trips.

“It’s fair that Bruntford won the game, they were the better team.

“I think we’re all worried. You can see our own fans are worried. Anxiety can be anxiety, it’s quiet. That’s the anxiety of the players. We have a problem.

“It is understood. This is the change for us. The fans should see something that pleases them and they can support us and give us energy.

“I understand it, I understand it, and I respect it. It’s up to us, it’s our turn. We’re the people who have to turn back to the fans.”

West Ham remain 19th, with just four points from their opening eight games. They are in action in the next Premier League program as well, visiting LEEDS on Friday.

Nuno told BBC Sport: