Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 8 April 2026 18:40, UK

West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo has reacted to the boos aimed at defender Max Kilman.

Kilman joined the club in 2024, making the switch from Wolves.

Operating in a rather turbulent period under Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and now Nuno, the 28-year-old has had an incredibly difficult time at the London Stadium – culminating in boos aimed at Kilman in the recent FA Cup loss to Leeds.

The Hammers sit 18th in the Premier League, and are yet to escape the bottom three despite turning a corner in 2026, exacerbating the criticism aimed at players on those pitch.

Ahead of the upcoming clash with Wolves – the former employer of both Nuno and Kilman – the Irons boss reacted to the situation, and it has proven just why he is so popular among players.

Nuno Espirito Santo reacts to Max Kilman situation vs Leeds

Nuno was brought in at the back end of September, replacing the departing Potter after a dismal start to the season.

After a difficult period heading into the new year, the Hammers have looked revitalised since, putting them within touching distance of escaping the drop zone.

Understandably though, the London Stadium has remained critical given the situation.

Reacting to the jeers aimed at Kilman, Nuno reacted at his press conference, saying: “I saw a good game for Max.

“There was the penalty but he handled the situation well, especially considering he did not play for such a long period. The team showed a lot of togetherness by supporting him. He’s fine (at the moment) and everyone goes through different moments. It’s about how you react and Max reacted well.”

This comes at a time when the defender is continuing to be on the end of harsh criticism due to his time at the club, once again exacerbated by the dismal year for the club as a whole.

“I truly believe that the fans understand the situation,” added Nuno. “And the need for them is a lot. Sunday was a clear example that we as a group don’t give up, so I hope the fans support and back us on Friday.”

Nuno reaction shows why players adore him

At multiple of the club’s Nuno has coached in England, he has gained a reputation of a real father figure, and someone who the squad are able to buy into and fully believe in his ideas.

At both Wolves and Nottingham Forest – who he guided to Europe – he was the perfect example of a manager who players would ‘run through a brick wall’ for.

This relationship was difficult to forge in East London initially, with the directionless nature of the Hammers in recent years not helping at all, though it is beginning to shine through.

The Irons were unfortunate against Leeds on Sunday, with the late comeback cancelled out by the lottery of a penalty shootout.

But the fight was undoubtedly there, and it is clear to see that the players are more than fighting for their manager.

With Kilman in mind, the Hammers boss did the right thing by putting an arm around his defender and protecting him.

The fact of the matter is simple, if you fight for Nuno, he will reciprocate that, and the complete difference in atmosphere around the club since the turn of the year only proves that this is working.

The 52-year-old is adored by players and fans alike at his previous clubs, and should he keep West Ham in the Premier League, he absolutely deserves the chance to build something similar to Wolves and Forest.