‘Nuno is the wrong choice for West Ham – Signing Adama Traore in January will not fix it’
Nuno Espirito Santo has been told that he’s not the man for West Ham, even before he can put his own stamp on things in January.
West Ham were beaten 1-0 by Fulham at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, making relegation more than a possibility in the minds of many.
Jarrod Bowen missed a golden chance to put West Ham ahead on 66 minutes, which would’ve put Nuno’s side on course for their first win since 8 November.
However, Raul Jimenez would punish an Ollie Scarles failed clearance, as Harry Wilson’s cross found the Mexican, who headed home the winning goal with just five minutes left on the clock.
David Sullivan now has a major decision to make on Nuno’s future, with suggested signings such as Adama Traore not filling anyone with hope.
Nuno blasted for ‘baffling’ decisions as Adama Traore warning issued
It’s not yet clear how many lives Nuno has used up as West Ham boss, but he’s surely running out of any remaining ones.
The Hammers remain five points adrift of safety behind Nottingham Forest, and are falling frustratingly short at both ends of the pitch.
Writing via X, The Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg has criticised Nuno’s decision-making and doubts that he is the right coach to lead West Ham to safety.
“It briefly seemed Nuno was on to something after the little run in November, but that’s already over,” Steinberg began.
“Most of his decisions are baffling. Looks like the wrong choice. And maybe he should have waited for another job. Then again, I’m not sure there’s a manager who gets them out of this.
“The squad has been built abysmally over the last three years. Too many poor decisions, and it’s not a surprise that they can’t keep up with smarter clubs.“
Fulham’s Traore has been strongly linked with West Ham in recent days, in what would see the winger, who was an unused substitute for the Cottagers on Saturday, reunite with Nuno as the pair spent a handful of years together at Wolves.
However, Steinberg has warned West Ham and Nuno against doing a deal for the 29-year-old, saying: “To be honest, I’m not sure signing Adama Traore will fix this.”
Steinberg is right, Adama wouldn’t solve West Ham’s problems
Whilst West Ham are indeed light on wide players, that doesn’t mean they should look to sign anyone for the sake of it.
Certainly not for a reunion that may prove to be incredibly short, that is, if Nuno is even still in the West Ham dugout by the time a deal could be done for Traore.
- West Ham registered 11 shots against Fulham, with just two on target
- They’ve scored just 19 goals this season, whilst conceding 36
- West Ham have a season-defining three games coming up, with Brighton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest up next
What West Ham need in January are players who can come into the team and instantly make an impact, and ultimately, help steer them to safety.
Traore has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season and is still waiting to contribute his first goal or assist, which looks to be a clear indication that he may be past his best.
That doesn’t scream a player who can provide what West Ham need, and in truth, suggests that he would only add to the problem and frustration Hammers fans are feeling with their misfiring and wasteful forward line at the moment.
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