Nuno Espírito Santo has once again sent a clear and honest message to his players, calling for a higher level of performance and accountability after a string of inconsistent displays. The experienced coach, known for his tactical discipline and calm but demanding nature, made it clear that he is far from satisfied with what he has seen from his team in recent matches.
“We still have problems. We have not played good enough,” Nuno admitted openly after the final whistle, his tone reflecting both disappointment and determination. For him, the results may not be disastrous, but the performances on the pitch have fallen short of his expectations — particularly in terms of intensity, cohesion, and individual commitment.
The Portuguese manager emphasized that improvement must come from both collective and individual effort. “There’s concern that individual players need to improve and win their own duels, and as a team we have a responsibility to improve,” he explained. This statement captures one of Nuno’s core beliefs: that football is not only about tactics and structure but also about mentality and personal pride. Every player must take responsibility for his own performance before expecting the team to function as a unit.
For Nuno, the foundation of success lies in competitiveness. He wants his players to fight for every ball, to show hunger and aggression in duels, and to be brave when challenges arise. When individual battles are lost, the whole team suffers — and that, according to him, has been the root cause of their recent struggles.
In training sessions, Nuno is known to be meticulous and detail-oriented. He often works on improving defensive compactness, transitions, and positional awareness. But beyond tactics, he seeks to instill a mindset of resilience and accountability. His latest comments were not just criticism but also a wake-up call — a reminder that standards must be maintained if the team wants to compete at the highest level.
The timing of his remarks suggests that he is trying to provoke a reaction from his squad, to spark the competitive fire that may have dimmed in recent weeks. He expects leaders within the dressing room to step up, younger players to show maturity, and the entire team to rediscover their fighting spirit.
Ultimately, Nuno’s message is simple yet powerful: improvement is non-negotiable. The season is long, and consistency will determine success or failure. If the players respond to his challenge with the right mentality, these words could mark a turning point. But if not, his concerns may soon become deeper.
With his calm authority and high standards, Nuno is once again demanding the best from his players — not through anger, but through a firm belief that every individual has more to give. The next matches will reveal whether his words have struck the right chord.
