Nuno Espirito Santo’s most controversial moments as ex-Tottenham boss linked with West Ham
Nuno Espirito Santo is a top candidate to replace Graham Potter at West Ham.
David Sullivan is expected to stick with Potter until the October international break before parting ways and appointing a replacement.
Nuno is one of the top targets for West Ham, and given his credentials at the top level of English football, there is no surprise that the Hammers hierarchy are looking at bringing him in.
However, the Portuguese manager will bring plenty of controversy with him to the London Stadium should he be appointed, not least because he is a former Tottenham boss.
Neil Warnock’s spat with Nuno Espirito Santo
Should West Ham sack Potter, they could be getting a much-needed passionate manager in Nuno.
When Nuno’s Wolves traveled to Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City in 2018, there was plenty of late drama.
The Wanderers conceded two penalties in injury time, when they were 1-0 up.
Veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy went on to save both spot kicks, which helped Nuno towards a huge win in the race for the Championship title.
Nuno was understandably jubilant at the result and proceeded to celebrate in front of Warnock, with the experienced manager saying it was a “total disgrace,” and it showed a “lack of class.”
- The incident wasn’t the first time Nuno stirred the pot with his celebrations
- After beating Middlesbrough 2-1 with ten men in 2018, he went on to refuse to shake Tony Pulis’ hand
- Following the game, Pulis said, “I don’t care, it’s not like I’ve lost a mate.”
Following the game, the Portuguese manager publicly apologised, with Warnock later retracting his comments and saying: “To be fair, we did have a good chat afterward. It’s his staff that I can’t stand.”
Nuno Espirito Santo’s falling out with Evangelos Marinakis
West Ham have been eyeing Slaven Bilic as a potential Potter replacement as they keep all options open.
Fans have been concerned about whether Nuno could fall out with Sullivan after what happened at his former club.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has become controversial over the last few months after publicly advocating that Crystal Palace shouldn’t be involved in the Europa League.
The Greek businessman got his wish, as he did when differences between him and Nuno became apparent.
At the end of last season, Marinakis stormed the pitch and had an open disagreement with Nuno.
It appeared the pair’s relationship never improved, with Nuno admitting that his relationship with Marinakis was “not the same” as last season.
Given the disruption at West Ham at the moment, should Nuno be appointed, it will be interesting to see how his relationship with Sullivan develops.
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