Tottenham Hotspur players have found head coach Nuno Espirito Santo to be distant and uncommunicative outside of training since replacing Jose Mourinho, per The Athletic.
Chairman Daniel Levy went from one Jorge Mendes client to another when he elected to appoint Nuno in June. Spurs’ search for a new manager was gruelling as candidates like Antonio Conte rose in contention, before the club swiftly turned to the next on the list.
Nuno has overseen a handful of friendlies and observed Tottenham tackle friendlies since taking up the helm 43 days ago. His first real test comes on Sunday when Spurs lift the curtain on a new campaign against the defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
But there already seems to be a growing sense of distance between Nuno and the first-team squad at Tottenham. Players have found the Portuguese to be uncommunicative and distant outside of training or fixtures, avoiding any one-to-one meetings.
Nuno is also not a big fan of team meetings, instead giving his full attention to the next training session. Even the 47-year-old’s closest backroom staff knew they could only approach him at the right moment whilst at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Is Nuno setting worrying trend early into Tottenham tenure?
Nuno could be creating problems for himself early into his Tottenham tenure by avoiding one-to-one talks with players. The summer was perfect for the Portuguese to arrive, give the squad a confidence boost and start the season strongly.
Instead, it seems, worryingly, players are not creating bonds with the Portuguese. Nor is he trying to give them the personal guidance that will allow players to fulfil their potential next season. Rather he is focusing on one big team effort, in place of individual gains.
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