West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo showed his true colours by calling Tottenham Hotspur a "huge club" despite previously being sacked by the club. The Portuguese head coach will lead the Hammers in a Premier League London derby visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
His appointment at the London Stadium came last September, nearly four years after his brief 17-game spell in charge of Spurs came to an abrupt end. The 51-year-old's time in north London started brightly with four victories in five games but quickly unravelled before Antonio Conte was brought in as his replacement. Nuno bounced back impressively, however, later defeating Spurs twice in three matches after taking charge of Nottingham Forest.
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This weekend marks his return to N17, with the Irons desperately needing all three points as they sit in 18th place in the Premier League standings, seven points adrift of 17th-placed Forest.
He might well face a hostile reception courtesy of the home fans as he looks to steer his struggling side away from the relegation zone.
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That’s despite the under pressure manager having complimented Spurs following his brief yet gruelling period with the Lilywhites. He was asked last season whether Forest’s win over Tottenham was motivated by revenge, which he quickly played down.
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Nuno voiced his appreciation for the chance to lead Tottenham despite the difficulties during his time there, saying: "I was honoured to be managing Tottenham," before continuing: "A huge, big club. I wish them the best."
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Despite potentially sparking the wrath of his new fans, he doubled down in his praise for Spurs ahead of Saturday’s fixture. "It was an honour and pleasure to manage Spurs," he repeated. "Things didn't go well.
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"It is the third game in a row where we face clubs where I have managed before. Nothing changes, it's a new game, tough opponent, in a tough place, and we so need a good result. Our focus is there."