"I've known" - Leeds United expectation and praise from West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo with admission
Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham side must beat final day visitors Leeds United to stand any chance of Premier League survival,
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has outlined his Leeds United expectation for Sunday’s crucial final game of the Premier League season with Whites praise and match admission.
Third-bottom West Ham quite simply must beat already safe final day visitors Leeds to stand any chance of avoiding relegation but even then the Hammers would still be down if Tottenham avoid defeat at home to Everton.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Santo admitted everybody would be aware of events at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but declared his hope that his players ignored any news emanating from around the stadium and put full focus in trying to beat the Whites.
Santo, though, despite Leeds safe, does not expect that to be easy, the Irons boss having known his opposite number Farke for some time and praising his “very tough” team.
"I don't expect many, many surprises,” said the Irons boss, asked what he expected from Leeds in their approach and possible line-up.
"I expect a very tough team of Leeds.
“Quality players who require the best of us”
"I've known Daniel for some time now and I know that he will prepare his players, the Leeds players to the best that he can. So we expect a tough, tough match.
“Leeds have had very good season. We played them before in the cup, in the league and they have quality players who require the best of us.
“Everybody's going to be aware of what's happening in the other stadiums. We cannot get away from that. What I hope is that our players ignore what's coming out and focus on the tasks inside of the pitch. This is more important than anything.”
Asked how he would describe his own team’s confidence levels, Santo declared: “Maximum, because there's no other way. Maximum confidence, maximum belief. Everything is going to be decided.”