Graham Potter on the Brink as Nuno eyes swift Premier League return to management

Graham Potter finds himself under mounting pressure at West Ham United after a disastrous start to the Premier League season. The Hammers’ new manager, brought in to steady the ship and usher in a fresh era in January last season, is already facing serious questions over his future with results failing to convince either supporters or the club’s hierarchy.

Potter’s tenure has been marked by flat performances and a lack of cutting edge in both boxes. One win in the first four games, on top of an early cup exit, finds West Ham in the relegation places and with patience wearing thin, speculation over possible replacements has intensified.

One name already at the forefront of discussions is Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno Waiting in the Wings

A latest piece by BBC Sports Writer Neil Goulding for Sportsboom, says that the former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo is eager to make a swift return to the Premier League following his sacking at the City Ground earlier this month.

The Portuguese coach, who has also managed Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, is said to be targeting a top-flight role as his priority and has been quickly linked with the London Stadium hot seat.

Espírito Santo’s exit from Forest was as sudden as it was surprising. Just three months after penning a new three-year contract — and weeks removed from guiding the club into European competition for the first time in over three decades — he was dismissed following a breakdown in relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis. His departure came only three games into the new campaign, bringing a 21-month tenure to an abrupt halt.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s time at Forest:

• Survival in 2023/24 after a 4-point deduction
• Three PL Manager of the Month awards
• Achieved the club’s highest finish in 30 years
• FA Cup semi-final
• Secured Europa League football in 2024/25

Thank you, Nuno 🇵🇹#NFFC pic.twitter.com/xcc3GSpRDP

— Ethan Lamb (@ethanlamb01) September 8, 2025

Despite that sour ending, Nuno’s reputation remains intact. He boasts 184 Premier League matches in charge, a seventh-place finish with Forest last season, and a successful promotion-winning and Europa League adventure with Wolves that re-established them as a top-flight force. Abroad, he delivered Al-Ittihad’s first Saudi Pro League title in 14 years.

That track record — coupled with his hunger to get back into work immediately — makes him one of the most appealing options should West Ham decide to cut ties with Potter.

Potter’s Reality Check

For Graham Potter, the message could not be clearer: results must improve, and fast. Patience will not last long if the current malaise continues.

The defensive woes have been Potter's biggest issue to start the season. West Ham have conceded the most goals (11) in the league so far this season, which include two embarrassing defeats to London rivals at the London Stadium.

Corners and headed goals are a glaring issue, despite Graham Potter speaking out and saying that his side had dealt with the first nine corners well against Tottenham last weekend.

The next three matches may well define Potter’s future in East London:

• Crystal Palace (H) – Another London derby where three points almost seem like a must, but comes at the completely wrong time with Crystal Palace on their longest unbeaten run ever in the top-flight.
• Everton (A) – A first ever fixture at the new stadium, against the man that offered the best stability in years at the club in David Moyes. A loss in the wrong fashion here, against an Everton team flourishing in attack with the additions of Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall would pile on fan pressure.
• Arsenal (A) – A daunting clash against one of the league’s elite right before the international break. Potter’s best win as a West Ham manager came at the Emirates last season and he may just need another miracle there this season if he is to keep his job.

A return of three/four points from those games could ease the noise, but another string of poor results or any large score-lines may leave the board with no choice but to act.

The Verdict

Potter was hired to stabilise and build, but football rarely affords time when results go against you. With Nuno Espírito Santo signalling his readiness to step straight back into Premier League management, the pressure on Potter is only going to intensify.

West Ham’s next three matches are crucial. Deliver, and Potter earns breathing space. Fail, and the Hammers may turn to an experienced alternative already waiting in the wings.