West Ham manager Nuno Santo addressed the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, set to kick off at 15:00 GMT.
Here are the highlights from his press conference:
-
Nuno provided an update on Pablo Felipe, who is sidelined with a calf injury: “He has not rejoined us yet as he’s begun his own training program, but he is improving daily. It really depends on him, so we hope to see him back soon because we miss him.”
-
Discussing West Ham’s recent performance, he stated: “Unfortunately, the results we need aren’t coming in, but our performances are improving in several areas, and achieving a clean sheet always boosts our spirits.” He added, “We can’t dwell on what could have been; we need to react and bounce back.”
-
Nuno acknowledged the challenge of fighting for survival, saying: “It’s a significant challenge that can bring out the best in us, which is our main motivation. We must keep pursuing our targets; this will be a struggle. We’ve been in this situation for some time, and we’re committed to the fight.”
-
On the subject of clean sheets, he noted: “Our defensive organization is a collective effort rather than just the defenders. It includes our strikers and how we press. We’re improving in this area, which enhances our defensive structure. The players are developing a better understanding that achieving a clean sheet in the Premier League requires teamwork.”
-
Commenting on West Ham’s tendency to concede late goals, especially against a Liverpool side known for scoring in the final moments, he said: “The first minute is crucial, and it’s important to focus on each action during the match. I’m asking for complete concentration… We are working on preventing late goals as it has affected us. We’re making progress, but we’ll approach this game focusing on the whole match, not just its conclusion.”
-
When asked about changes since their last encounter with Liverpool, Nuno replied: “We know that playing at Anfield will be tough compared to our last match at home. I believe that every game brings new challenges that require fresh questions and answers, and we’re prepared to confront them… The boys are training hard; the atmosphere is positive, and while we recognize how difficult this match will be, we are eager to take on the challenge.”
Stay updated on all Thursday’s Premier League press conferences and football news