Nuno Espírito Santo insists his West Ham United team will refuse to rest on their laurels, following last weekend’s win over Newcastle United, when we welcome Burnley to London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers are looking to sign off for the November international break by securing back-to-back Premier League successes for the first time since February, having seen off the Magpies to claim their first home three-point haul of 2025/26, and first under Nuno, last time out.
Standing in the way of such success will be Scott Parker’s newly-promoted Clarets, who are themselves chasing a second successive away win, and fourth overall in the Premier League this term, in order to improve their current 17th-place position in the table.
Former West Ham midfielder Parker, who won the Club’s coveted Hammer of the Year crown in 2009, 2010 and 2011, led Burnley to promotion from the EFL Championship last season with 100 points and just two defeats, and he will surely be eager for a positive result on his return to east London.
Certainly, Nuno is expecting a tough test back on home soil, and as anticipation continues to build before kick-off, our Head Coach sat down with members of the media for his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.
While he was asked questions about the Newcastle triumph, hard work behind the scenes since and individual members of his squad, read on to catch up with the main talking points…
Newcastle reflections
We showed strength to come back after conceding. Even when we conceded, it came from a really nice move we had when Jarrod hit the post. Their goal came from a counter-attack which everyone felt came out of nothing, but our reaction was positive.
As I see it, it was the best thing that could’ve happened to us, because we showed we can react to adversity. We competed really well, but we know in football the process is never over. We are a team, and as long as the players are healthy and committed, we have solutions and options, which is important.
Players going back to their roots
The Player Care team sorted the baby photos for the team. It was really nice, and a surprise for everyone. My photo was there, and we were all trying to figure out who was who.
I think it was nice to look back at when we were young and had dreams, and at what motivated us. I think it’s important for us to go back to that feeling of being young and happy, and trying to enjoy things.
Malick making waves
He is a beautiful boy, and someone really special. He’s so sensitive, and I think with the way he has progressed from Senegal, through to Norway, Czechia and now the Premier League, he is living a dream.
He enjoys everything so much, and though he has things he can improve, he’s like a diamond you have to polish. We all have great responsibilities, but you have to enjoy what you do, and I think Malick does that.
Füllkrug working his way back to fitness
My job is to coach the players. After we arrived, Niclas played the first two games, and then unfortunately got injured. Now he’s coming back, and when we can get him healthy and ready to go, he’s going to be another really good option for the team.
Paquetá stepping up
I’ve insisted and I keep repeating and telling Lucas about being a No10, especially a Brazilian No10. We expect a lot of things from Lucas, because he has so much to give us, and I hope he can continue to perform like he did against Newcastle.
Swapping the centre-backs
It was just a detail we thought could help our game. We said we were going to try it before the Newcastle game, because the players are versatile and they can give us different things in different positions.
We don’t know if it’s going to repeat this weekend, or moving forward, but the main thing is about improving the players individually, and the team, and that’s what we’ll always look to try and do.
Wilson working hard
I think he did really well against Newcastle. He had a tough job, up against two physical centre-halves, but he was a presence up there. We had to manage Callum, and he came off after around 60 minutes, but his experience will continue to be really important for us. He has a good record against Burnley (seven goals in 12 games), and if he can score on Saturday that would be amazing!
Potts catching the eye
I think he played really, really well [against Newcastle]. He was balanced, his actions were accurate, and he did what the team needed in that moment.
But, it’s only one game. He played many games in the Championship and in League One, which helped make Freddie. He’s a really good option for us, but he’s started one game, and we want to help him improve, like all the players. He’s got so much talent, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.
It’s the same for all the team. We all made a little step on Sunday, but it’s in the past now. Newcastle is finished, and now we’re all solely focused on Burnley on Saturday.
Ready for Burnley battle
It’s going to be a totally different match on Saturday, against a totally different team full of good players. We’ve been watching how good Burnley have been, and we’re expecting a really tough game.
I have huge respect for Scott [Parker]. We’ve known each other for a long time now, and he’s done well at different clubs and managed abroad. He’s someone I really admire.
The fans gave us a lot against Newcastle, so we have to give them something again so they can keep giving us more. It was beautiful on Sunday, but we will need the supporters again.
Taking one step at a time
The table isn’t a reference for us at the moment. We know we’re in a bad position, but we’re focused on improving our game. If we improve first individually, this will be reflected by the team and then we can think about the table. The priority at the moment is on competing, and getting results.
