Paul Merson instantly reacts to who he’s told is replacing Graham Potter at West Ham, he’s not fussed
West Ham are looking to act quickly in their efforts to replace Graham Potter.
Potter took media duties for West Ham on Friday, but was told on the same day that his time was up at the London Stadium.
David Sullivan has come under scrutiny for his treatment of Potter because of this, but it isn’t going to change the chairman’s decision.
The news of Potter’s sack has shocked the West Ham squad, with a Premier League clash against Everton just two days away.
It now appears that the new head coach option to replace Potter has been lined up, not that Paul Merson is particularly impressed.
Paul Merson unmoved by Nuno Espirito Santo appointment at West Ham
West Ham look set to hire Nuno as their new manager, just hours after confirming the shock exit of the Englishman.
The Portuguese boss was also let go in surprise fashion himself this season, as Nottingham Forest moved him on just four weeks ago.
This has left the door open for the Irons to swoop in on the ex-Wolves boss, who could soon be appointed by the Irons.
The 51-year-old is famed for a pragmatic style of play, and it is that factor that has left Merson unsure about the hire when speaking live on Sky Sports News on 27 September.
He said: “I know they play on Monday, so it’s a bit like getting sacked on Thursday, really. I still don’t get it. It could have been at the start of the week.
“I don’t get the Nuno one. I still like Nuno, I think he did a good job at Forest, but if you saw the way he played there, I can’t see how he can do it at West Ham.
“The West Ham defenders have been caught for so many goals this season, whereas the defenders at Forest last season were excellent.
“They had forwards who played on the counterattack with pure pace. I just don’t see how it fits. I like Nuno, but I don’t see the fit.”
Nuno Espirito Santo could still transform West Ham
The demand to see attacking and attractive football at the London Stadium has become the Irons’ downfall in the past two seasons.
Both Julen Lopetegui and Potter failed to fill the boots of David Moyes, who was unfairly treated after undoubted success in E20.
| Record | Julen Lopetegui | Graham Potter |
| Matches | 22 | 25 |
| Wins | 7 | 6 |
| Draws | 5 | 5 |
| Losses | 10 | 14 |
This could see a move back to an effective style of play make more sense right now, and there aren’t many better out there than Nuno.
It will be interesting to see how he gets on, with his maiden voyage potentially set to take place against Everton in two days.
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