West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo on their defensive frailties and the challenges of facing Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
00:00For the club, crosses were an issue for the club as well, how close do you feel you are to making it a strength of West Ham rather than a weakness?
00:08We are trying, we are trying. First of all is to realise that it was a problem that we are slowly trying to fix.
00:17We have conceded many goals from set pieces before, now I think we are getting stronger and stronger.
00:24The way I think is to try and take advantage of the offensive. He came today, even the first situation was Gerrard who did an amazing job.
00:34But that's the point and you know how much important are the set pieces in the game. They are basic and fundamental for any kind of team.
00:45How have you gone about changing it?
00:48Working, working, working, working, repeating, repeating, trying to find in terms of offensive delivery, the consistency of delivery.
00:58In terms of defensively trying to mark the strong opponents that we are going to find.
01:04In these days you know how much important are the blocks. I think Alphonse is giving a big, big help on that aspect also.
01:11What have the guys in midfield given you a difference in these last few games?
01:20Energy. They are very young, all of them. Very, very young. I think they are growing together.
01:27They are slowly understanding them and the complicities. I think this is what makes a good midfield.
01:37It's not individually. You cannot put together two plays and expect that it will click immediately.
01:43I think they are slowly progressing in knowledge and complicity.
01:49Were you missing that energy before?
01:51Sorry?
01:52Were you missing that energy before, do you think, first time?
01:55When you say before, when?
01:57Before they started playing.
01:59Together. Yeah, that's what I said.
02:01It's trying to find the right balance among the pieces in the midfield.
02:07I think we did what creates a good midfield.
02:10Yeah, he's going to play.
02:15From the start?
02:16Sorry?
02:17From the start?
02:18Yes.
02:19And no concerns about a repeat of what happened the other day?
02:23I already, we spoke about that. It's in the past. It's in the past. So I'm positive that it will not happen again.
02:32Because he personally admitted his mistake. We saw the things where we had to sue in the dressing room.
02:39And I'm positive that it's over and he will not repeat it. Thank you.
02:45I don't agree. Leeds obviously got a big win last night and that meant that you went into today's game third from bottom and that's where you stay.
02:54How do you make sure that the players don't get tense and anxious?
02:58Because I know there's a long way to go, but if you look at the table and start to get a bit worried.
03:03We cannot avoid it. It's a reality and we have to face it. We are fighting for it to survive.
03:08Let's not hide it. And the results of other teams we cannot control.
03:13So it's up to us.
03:16Following on from that, the mentality of the team since you've come in,
03:22I think only has to be that they've got more points for losing positions.
03:25How hard has it been to create that spirit or was it already there and just needed tools?
03:30No, it's everybody in the club realizing that we have to give everything.
03:35We have to give the best of us to go out of this situation.
03:39It's the reality. A club like us, as big as we are, we have to face the reality and go out of this situation so we can then move forward.
03:50And it's hard to build with urgency. But the boys are committed and we believe that we can do it.
03:55You've been asked for that factor. Is there any other teams that need to be aware of?
03:58Yeah, I think Crescensio. Hopefully he returns soon. We miss him. We know what he gives to the team.
04:07Let's see. We need all the players.
04:10Do you think he can be back?
04:11I hope, I hope, I hope he can be back.
04:14I hope, I hope he can be back.
04:15Last one, Daniel.
04:16Is it too soon for Oli Scarls?
04:17Sorry?
04:18Oli Scarls.
04:19Yes, Oli Scarls has a medical appointment on the 8th and we hope that he's going to be clear to full contact.
04:29He's training individually. He does part of the session with the group but without contact.
04:34So after the appointment on the 8th, I hope that he can join the team because you know the reality.
04:40We're going to lose both of our fullbacks to the AFCON and we're going to need him.
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