When West Ham could actually sack Nuno Espirito Santo as ‘decisive’ outcome emerges
West Ham are close to sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, and the Portuguese boss can have no complaints.
Nuno was placed under incredible pressure after West Ham were thrashed 3-0 by bottom-side Wolves on Saturday, with that defeat leaving them four points from safety in the Premier League.
The Hammers have failed to turn a corner since the 51-year-old was hired, and as it stands, Nuno is West Ham’s worst permanent manager in Premier League history.
After the embarrassment at Molineux, it was said that Nuno has lost the dressing room at West Ham, and the mood at the London Stadium is ‘rapidly deteriorating’.
That has led to speculation over when he could be sacked despite only taking over in September, and one answer has now been shared.
Nuno Espirito Santo has one game to save West Ham job
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Portuguese tactician is on the ‘verge’ of being dismissed by the Hammers and could only have one more game to save his skin.
🚨⚒️ Nuno Espírito #Santo is on the verge of being sacked at West Ham. He is expected to get at most one more game, against Forest on Tuesday.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 4, 2026
It would be the decisive match. #WHUFC@SkySportDE 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ulusdVhH61
West Ham’s home clash against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night is seen as the ‘decisive’ fixture, presenting a chance for his former club to put the final nail in the coffin.
| Nuno’s record as West Ham boss |
| 13 games |
| 2 wins |
| 4 draws |
| 7 defeats |
Their showdown against the Reds at the London Stadium is potentially season-defining in every sense of the word, as the Irons are currently four points behind them in the table.
So, anything less than all three points would surely see Nuno relieved of his duties and a replacement appointed.
Who is on West Ham’s radar to replace Nuno?
The situation in East London is bleak, and the mismanagement behind the scenes makes the scenario all the more embarrassing.
| Managers since David Moyes | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals for/against |
| Julen Lopetegui | 22 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 26/44 |
| Graham Potter | 25 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 30/41 |
| Nuno Espirito Santo | 15 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 16/28 |
West Ham only signed Pablo from Gil Vicente earlier this week, presumably with Nuno’s best interests at mind, while Taty Castellanos is close to joining from Lazio.
But now the manager is likely to be shown the exit door sooner rather than later, Pablo and Castellanos could be playing under a new boss.
Slaven Bilic has been tipped to become the new West Ham manager, over eight years on from being sacked by the club.
Bilic is seen as a temporary replacement for Nuno, although the Croatian would hardly inspire confidence of keeping the Hammers in the league if appointed.
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