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Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that West Ham’s players are ready to evolve and have taken responsibility for the club's poor form over the past 18 months.

The Portuguese manager, who is the club’s third manager since David Moyes departed at the conclusion of the previous campaign, is striving to shift the atmosphere in the dressing room after replacing his predecessor last weekend. The London club have been lacking guidance, and there is a widespread acceptance among the players that they played a role to Potter losing his position after less than a year.

“I find a good team of people,” Nuno stated. “They are starting to understand that we must change our approach. Without change, things will remain unchanged. They are ready to adapt. It's evident. Therefore, let's embrace it and transform it.”

“It goes from technical, tactical, physical, mentality, respect, dialogue. Communication is such an important tool for us. We currently lack have it fully. It has to be a fair and transparent communication that we share. They have held themselves accountable and are willing to go.”

The Manager's Current Focus

The new boss has had little time to adjust. He hasn't have his coaching team so far, and the former Forest manager is not thinking about what West Ham, in 19th place before visiting Arsenal on the weekend, can achieve this campaign. “My role is simple,” Nuno explained. “It’s the immediate future.”

Defensive Issues for West Ham

A major worry for Nuno is bolstering his side’s defense at set pieces. The club have shipped eight goals from corners this season – the most recent concession came in his debut, the recent tie at Everton – and will be under constant pressure from dead balls against Arsenal. The worry for Nuno is that it turns into a mental issue.

“That's possible,” he said. “But we will try to avoid it. The worst thing that can occur is that if an rival earns a corner, we begin immediately believing that we are in danger. This could develop into a trauma.”