Nuno Espirito Santo West Ham developments have taken another revealing turn after new comments from assistant manager Paco Jémez offered insight into how the Portuguese coach convinced him to join the club.
West Ham United confirmed the appointment of Jémez as part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s backroom staff on January 15, adding experience to a coaching setup still searching for stability midway through a difficult Premier League campaign.
The Spaniard, who built his reputation as a head coach across nearly two decades, explained that several opportunities had presented themselves after leaving Ibiza in October 2025. However, none of those offers convinced him until West Ham entered the picture. According to Jémez, it was a direct phone call from Nuno that ultimately sealed the move.
Nuno Espirito Santo West Ham call made the difference
Speaking as a guest on Cadena SER, Jémez revealed that Espirito Santo made it clear he needed help at the London Stadium, something that resonated deeply with the experienced coach.
“There wasn’t much convincing to do. He told me he needed my help, and I thought about experiencing the Premier League from the inside,” Jémez said.
“He values me a lot and lets me do what I think is best,” he added, highlighting the level of trust already established between the two coaches.
The decision marked a major shift in Jémez’s career, transitioning from long-term head coach roles into a supporting position under Espirito Santo. For West Ham, it represented another attempt to steady the ship during a turbulent season.
The Hammers currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, five points adrift of safety, following the dismissal of Graham Potter and the appointment of Nuno in September 2025.
Paco Jémez discusses wider football issues
During the interview, Jémez was also asked about Real Madrid’s recent decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso after their Spanish Supercopa defeat to Barcelona.
The West Ham assistant admitted that managerial sackings no longer surprise him, despite sympathising with fellow coaches.
“It doesn’t surprise me when a colleague loses his job. I wish it hadn’t happened. Xabi had a really great idea of being able to coach the best team in the world,” Jémez explained.
The comments underline just how volatile elite football management remains, a reality Espirito Santo himself is currently facing at West Ham.
Despite arriving with the aim of stabilising results, performances have remained inconsistent, increasing pressure on both manager and staff as the season progresses.
West Ham looking for balance under Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo West Ham ambitions remain focused on survival and structure, with coaching reinforcements seen as vital behind the scenes.
Recent squad discussions involving players such as Edson Álvarez, Tomáš Souček and Mads Hermansen show the club is still attempting to plan beyond immediate results.
For Jémez, the move offers a rare opportunity to understand Premier League football from the inside, while helping a colleague he clearly respects.
Whether the partnership can deliver the turnaround West Ham desperately need remains to be seen, but the honesty behind Nuno’s call suggests a manager fully aware of the challenge ahead.
Source: Sport Witness
