West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has maintained a calm outlook despite his side’s precarious position in the Premier League relegation battle.
The Hammers’ 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night deepened their survival worries, leaving them seven points adrift of safety and extending a winless run to ten matches.
A victory against Forest, who currently occupy 17th place, could have brought West Ham within striking distance of safety, but the opportunity slipped through their fingers, intensifying concern among fans that the club could slide into the Championship.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Nuno -who was born in Sao Tome – urged focus on the immediate task rather than the table, emphasising the need to approach the remaining fixtures with composure.
“It is a tough situation that we are in. We are aware, but at the same time it’s realising there are 17 games to go. A lot of football to be played. What we have to do is focus on ourselves, on our day-to-day. Look for that win and that win we need.
“Don’t be obsessed about the gap. Try to void, if you start looking every time at the table you get more anxious. Let’s try to focus on ourselves and what we have to do to compete in the 17 games in the league.
“I believe it is possible.”
With the schedule set to test the Hammers further, Nuno’s squad must quickly respond. Their next league clash comes against Tottenham, another stern challenge in what promises to be a crucial period for West Ham.
