West Ham make surprise Nuno Espirito Santo sack decision as Portsmouth lie in wait
Pompey face West Ham in the Championship later this month.
West Ham have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo as Pompey lie in wait after the international break.
The Hammers have had a frustrating start to the new campaign following their Premier League relegation last term.
A 3-1 defeat to promotion rivals West Brom at the London Stadium marked the end of the head coach’s 14-month tenure following his September 2025 appointment.
Despite relegation from the top flight last season, West Ham opted to stick with Espirito Santo for their first season back in the second-tier since 2012 and led a huge summer overhaul in the transfer window.
But, after back-to-back defeats to Southampton and West Brom, pressure was mounting on the Portuguese coach, having lost further ground in the early-season promotion battle.
West Ham currently sit eighth in the Championship, with Pompey just three points behind in 11th.
News of Espirito Santo’s exit comes just weeks ahead of the Blues welcoming the Hammers to Fratton Park in the Championship.
The east London side travel to the south coast after the upcoming international break on November 24, with John Mousinho’s troops no doubt keeping a close eye on developments as West Ham begin their search for a new boss.
West Ham release statement after Nuno Espirito Santo sacking
A statement on the club website confirmed the sacking and read: ‘West Ham United can confirm that men’s first-team Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo has left his position with immediate effect.
‘Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the Club’s objectives and expectations remain on track.
‘Assistant Head Coach Rui Pedro Silva and Goalkeeper Coach Rui Barbosa have also departed.
‘West Ham United would like to thank Nuno, Rui and Rui for their hard work and commitment during their time at the Club, and wish them all the very best for the future.
‘The process of recruiting a new Head Coach is already underway.
‘Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take temporary charge of squad preparations ahead of tomorrow evening’s EFL Championship fixture at Cardiff City, and the Club will make no further comment until the appointment of the new Head Coach is confirmed.
Espirito Santo becomes the second managerial sacking in the Championship this term after Paul Heckingbottom was dismissed by Preston North End in September.
West Ham face Cardiff City on Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers on Saturday before facing Preston and Pompey last this month after the international break.