Alphonse Areola believes West Ham United will be a tough nut to crack under new Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Portuguese has developed a reputation for fielding teams which are difficult to break down and score against during his successful coaching career with clubs in Portugal, Spain, Saudi Arabia and England.
In well over 500 senior matches, Nuno’s teams have conceded a little more than a goal a game, and his West Ham side have improved their defensive performance since he took charge ten days ago, frustrating Everton and Arsenal for long periods.
Goalkeeper Areola has been part of that improvement, making a number of important saves and commanding his six-yard box from corners - an issue that cost the Hammers a number of goals in the early weeks of the season.
While West Ham ultimately took just a single point from two tough away matches, the Frenchman believes Nuno’s approach will lead to better returns in the coming weeks and months.
“I think that with this new dynamic, we are more solid,” said the No23. “We have seen it [on Saturday at Emirates Stadium], but we have to work harder on the pitch and try to win more points.
“The coach has said that he wants a team that competes. We have to use this to connect with our fans, who will help us a lot this year. Winning points is the most important thing now.
“Now we are in a new dynamic. We have to continue to prepare well during the [international] break and be ready for the next game.”
That next game will be against Brentford on Monday 20 October at London Stadium, where Nuno will coach the Hammers in front of the home supporters for the first time.
Areola says it is now up to him and his teammates to put the Portuguese’s words into action and give the Claret and Blue Army a West Ham they can be proud of and start climbing the Premier League table.
“The coach said it clearly - the main thing is to have a fighting team that fights every game to win points and to reconnect with our fans,” said the stopper. “They were important at Arsenal and they are in every game.
“Now it's up to us to do the job on the pitch to make everyone happy and to get out of this area.”
