Nuno Espírito Santo has apologised for West Ham United's relegation from the Premier League but refused to confirm whether he will remain as manager next season. The Hammers' 2-1 victory over Leeds United on the final day was not enough to keep them in the top flight, as Tottenham Hotspur's result condemned them to the Championship.
Nuno, who signed a three-year contract in September, is free to leave without compensation, while West Ham can also part ways with him without a fee. Despite indications that the club wants to retain him, the former Nottingham Forest boss did little to dispel doubts about his desire to manage in the second tier.
“It’s not about me,” Nuno said. “We are in a tough place and West Ham has to go back in the Premier League. But now we have to go through this period of sadness, understanding the frustration and anger of the fans.” When asked about discussions with the board, he added: “You keep insisting [to ask] me about that and my mind is not there.”
Captain Jarrod Bowen also refused to discuss his future, calling such talk “disrespectful”. The winger, who has been linked with a move away, said: “I want this club to be in the Premier League. It’s a club that means so much to me. My vision is to get this club back in the Premier League.”
West Ham posted losses of £104.2 million last year and face the prospect of losing key players such as Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville. Nuno acknowledged the speculation but insisted: “Today is not the day to think about that.” The club's relegation with 39 points is the first time since 2011 that a side has gone down with such a tally.
