“No mercy It’s over for him ” NUNO ESPÍRITO SANTO stunned fans with a brutal post-match interview after a 2:1 humiliation, insisting that two players are not worthy of wearing the West Ham shirt

West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has stunned fans with an explosive post-match interview following his side’s 2:1 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road, declaring that “two players are not worthy of wearing the West Ham shirt.”

The Hammers were second best for most of the night, falling behind early through Brenden Aaronson’s third-minute strike before Joe Rodon’s header doubled Leeds’ lead just after the quarter-hour mark. Matheus Fernandes grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time, but the damage was already done.

It was a poor showing from West Ham, and Nuno’s frustration boiled over when speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle.

“No mercy. It’s over for him  maybe for both of them,” Nuno said. “There are players who don’t deserve to wear this shirt. I won’t protect anyone. When you represent West Ham, you fight for it. If you can’t do that, you don’t belong here.”

The Portuguese coach refused to reveal who the two players in question were, but his comments sent shockwaves through the fanbase and ignited a storm of speculation online.

“I don’t care about names,” he continued. “I care about attitude. Football is not only about talent it’s about effort, courage, and respect for the badge. Tonight, some players showed none of that.”

“NOT GOOD ENOUGH”

West Ham looked flat and uninspired throughout, struggling to deal with Leeds’ high press and intensity. While Nuno cut a frustrated figure on the touchline, his players failed to respond, leaving him furious with their mentality.

“We lost because we didn’t compete,” he told Sky Sports. “Leeds were aggressive, brave, and hungry. We were soft. This team needs men who are ready to suffer on the pitch. What I saw tonight was unacceptable.”

Leeds’ early dominance set the tone as the home crowd roared their team forward. Aaronson’s opener came from a slick passing move that carved through West Ham’s defence, while Rodon’s header from a corner left Alphonse Areola rooted to the spot.

West Ham barely threatened until Fernandes’ 90th-minute strike offered faint consolation, but Nuno was in no mood to look for positives.

“You can talk about the goal, but it doesn’t matter. The game was gone long before that,” he said. “We showed no fight, no personality. That’s not West Ham.”

FAN REACTION

The manager’s words have split opinion among supporters. Some fans praised his honesty, while others questioned whether publicly calling out players could cause further problems behind the scenes.

One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“About time someone said it. Too many passengers in this team. Nuno’s right  we need players who actually care.”

Another added:

“He’s lost it. You can’t say that on TV. You deal with that inside the dressing room, not in front of cameras.”

PRESSURE BUILDING

Nuno’s reign at West Ham has been turbulent, with results inconsistent and performances often lacking spark. The defeat at Elland Road leaves the Hammers drifting in mid-table, and the manager’s emotional comments underline the growing pressure he faces.

Former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp, speaking in the Sky Sports studio, said Nuno’s outburst was a risky move.

“It’s powerful stuff, but it’s a dangerous road to go down,” Redknapp said. “You’ve got to be careful when you start pointing fingers. The dressing room can turn on you very quickly if players feel singled out.”

However, Karen Carney offered a different perspective, arguing that Nuno’s blunt honesty could be the wake-up call West Ham need.

“He’s clearly had enough,” Carney said. “Sometimes a manager needs to send a message. West Ham have the talent, but not the attitude. Nuno wants to draw a line  and he’s just done it.”

WHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?

West Ham face Arsenal next, followed by a home fixture against Manchester United, and Nuno’s team will be under intense scrutiny. The manager’s fiery words are expected to have major consequences, with reports suggesting changes could be made to the starting lineup as early as next week.

“We rebuild with those who care,” Nuno concluded. “We don’t need passengers. We need fighters.”

For West Ham fans, the hope will be that his tough stance sparks a reaction rather than a revolt.