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The phone call that sealed Graham Potter’s fate at West Ham has been revealed – and supporters are likely to welcome the words that convinced the board to act.
Potter was dismissed after defeat to Crystal Palace left his position increasingly untenable, with many fans turning on him during the 2-1 reverse at the London Stadium. While reports initially suggested he would be given the Everton and Arsenal fixtures, West Ham owner David Sullivan instead opted to act sooner following a decisive conversation with Nuno Espirito Santo.
Sky Sports reporters Kaveh Solhekol, Rob Dorsett and Chris Reidy claim Nuno insisted during a call with Sullivan that he wanted to take charge straight away, even with daunting trips to Everton and Arsenal looming. That stance led to Potter being informed of his dismissal the following morning, with the Portuguese manager immediately stepping in to take training.
West Ham have been the Premier League’s poorest defensive side this season, regularly conceding from set pieces. Fixing that vulnerability is understood to be Nuno’s top priority. Potter had made similar pledges but failed to deliver, with the Hammers shipping almost three goals per match on average.
Supporters are expected to appreciate Nuno’s determination to tackle the club’s problems head-on rather than wait until the international break for a calmer introduction. His insistence on starting immediately has been portrayed as the kind of defiance and commitment fans associate with the “West Ham way”.
For Nuno, the challenge is immediate: arrest the club’s defensive woes and spark a reaction from a squad that has struggled for confidence. For the supporters, his bold approach may already feel like a breath of fresh air.
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