West Ham were relegated despite beating Leeds on the final day of the season but one of their players reportedly had a falling-out with Nuno before the match
West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo refused to feature for the club on Sunday following a major falling-out with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, it has been claimed. The Hammers were relegated to the Championship, despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds, as Tottenham’s win against Everton secured top-flight survival for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Nuno’s side required a win coupled with a Spurs defeat to climb above them into 17th place on the final day of the season. However, Joao Palhinha’s scrappy first-half strike proved sufficient for Tottenham to preserve their Premier League status and send their London rivals down to the Championship.
A review into the club’s failings has already commenced at West Ham, with Nuno tipped to depart following crucial talks on Monday afternoon. The extent of the situation behind closed doors is further highlighted by Todibo’s bust-up with the manager.
The 26 year old, signed from Nice for £33m, made 23 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season but was notably absent from the squad for the Leeds fixture and watched from the stands at the London Stadium after reportedly vowing never to play under Nuno again.
According to The Athletic, Todibo was furious at being substituted in the 26th minute of their 3-1 defeat to Newcastle in the penultimate match of the season. The Hammers were already two goals down at that stage when Nuno replaced the defender with striker Taty Castellanos, who subsequently netted a consolation goal.
Todibo clashed with Nuno over the decision and subsequently complained to goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa, refusing to even be named on the bench for the final match. The centre-back had previously fallen out with both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, and looks unlikely to survive the summer transfer window clear-out.
Should he remain in east London, however, his dispute with Nuno may prove short-lived, with the Portuguese manager expected to leave following discussions with the board. Nuno only took charge in September as Potter’s replacement after an acrimonious departure from Nottingham Forest but couldn’t stave off relegation despite a rally in the second half of the season.
“It’s not about me,” he said when questioned about his future on Sunday. “We are in a tough place and West Ham has to go back in the Premier League. But now we have to go through this period of sadness, understanding the frustration and anger of the fans.”
Pressed further on the matter, Nuno responded: “You keep insisting [to ask] me about that and my mind is not there, you understand? Today, tomorrow, if we have a press conference, next one, for sure we can speak about that. But today, it’s about understanding how tough it is.
“I understand and we have to be ready for many things that will be coming out in the press. About speculation, about all of us, our future. But today is not the day to think about that.”
