West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo could not hide his «sadness» after the club were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday’s final day of the season, despite a 3-0 win at home to Leeds.
Second-half goals from Taty Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson gave the Hammers a glimmer of survival hope at the London Stadium.
But West Ham, in addition to beating Leeds, needed capital rivals Tottenham to lose at home to Everton to stay up and send Spurs down.
However, Tottenham won 1-0 and finished two points above relegated West Ham.
“We are sad, we are disappointed, but sadness is what we feel,” Nuno said BBC. «We knew our mission was tough; it was not in our hands. We did our part, but it was not enough. We must apologize to our fans and thank them for all their incredible support,» added the Portuguese coach, who praised his side for ending the season with «character and dignity».
“We did our part, but it didn’t happen,” he said. «But I’m proud of the boys. It was a tough, tough day. We apologize for the situation, but the club are the fans and they will be needed.»
Nuno, addressing the prospect of West Ham playing second division football next season after a 14-year spell in the Premier League, said: «It’s going to be tough. Tomorrow and the day after will be even tougher when you realize what you have in front of you. West Ham is a Premier League club and deserves to be in the Premier League. Out of respect for everyone, we can’t look to the future now. We’re going to the sadness of the days ahead – and then we’ll look to the future. It has to happen after that, not.» today is another day.”
Published on May 25, 2026
