Unexpected Nuno Espirito Santo sack twist emerges at West Ham
West Ham have not ruled out sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and he remains very much at risk despite a resurgent run of form at the London Stadium.
Nuno’s side beat Sunderland 3-1 last time out, following up on their 2-1 win against Tottenham, and have instilled a renewed optimism amongst the fans in East London.
However, former West Ham scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that the boss will face calls for his head again should their recent form drop off.
The Hammers remain very much in a relegation battle and are still five points away from safety despite their back-to-back wins and cannot afford to slow sown.
However, there is a recognition that their league position in spite of recent efforts could be demoralising for the fans, players and manager at the London Stadium.
Nuno Espirito Santo could still be sacked by West Ham
Football Insider first revealed on 10 January that West Ham decided not to sack Nuno despite their defeat against Nottingham Forest due to their improved performance.
They have since built on that display and started winning games, but they must keep up their recent level in upcoming clashes with Chelsea, Burnley and Man United.
“I don’t think they’re ruling out sacking Nuno,” Brown told Football Insider.
“Especially with the ownership there, I know how volatile they can be, so you can never count on a manager being safe in his position at West Ham.
“But look at where they are in the league, they’re still five points behind Nottingham Forest and stranded in the relegation zone. That’s a problem.
“They’ve played well recently and got two big wins, but they’re no closer to safety, and that is always massively demoralising for everybody involved.
“The problem now is, if they start losing games again and their form drops off, there’s every chance they could be pushed even further away from safety.
“They need to prove they can sustain this form over four or five games, not just one or two, because that’s what will make a real difference.”
Lucas Paqueta closing in on leaving West Ham
With less than a week remaining of the January transfer window, West Ham are now prepared to lose one of their key players in Lucas Paqueta.
Brown told Football Insider on 26 January that West Ham are planning to sell Paqueta and are prepared to accept a £40million offer this month.
Flamengo are believed to be closing in on a deal to re-sign the 28-year-old who has been unhappy with the way the season has gone at the London Stadium.
Reports claim a deal has been verbally agreed between West Ham and Flamengo, with the paperwork set to be completed and a deal finalised before the window ends.
The fee will represent a reduction on the reported £80million fee agreed to sell him to Man City in 2023, after the East London club reduced his asking price.
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