The 51-year-old made his debut as the Hammers’ new manager on Monday’s (29.09.25) Premier League match with The Blues after Graham Potter was sacked, and Santo has insisted the London club will “start taking the right steps foward” following the 1-1 Everton draw.
Speaking with Sky Sports, he said: “We have to learn so many things. It was a tough game, the reaction of the team was good. There are some positives, some things that are negatives.
“Now it's about analysing and trying to find the right solutions. Our message was very clear: competing like a team and be close to each other. A good first game for us.”
Everton took an early lead after an unmarked Michael Keane scored in the second phase of a corner set piece, though Jarrod Bowen equalised in the 65th minute - securing West Ham a much-needed point.
Santo continued: “In the goal we conceded, we should have been more aggressive and closer to Keane. But the second half we started defending better, everything starts from there.
“Things will come naturally. We will start taking the right steps forward.”
After the match, Bowen said he felt West Ham were “heading in the right direction” thanks to new manager Santo.
The 28-year-old forward said: “It is a big point for us. I think we had chances to win the game, they had chances as well so probably a fair result.
“We said at half time, we only need one goal. We knew we would get our own chances and we did, and defended well at the end when they were pushing for a winner.
“I think we’ve all been in football long enough. We know changes happen. But we are professionals, we want to do well, and we have a really good group here who want to change our fortunes.
“We’ve had Nuno for two days, and I thought we put in a really good performance. I think we are heading in the right direction and tonight is a good start.”
Bowen added he had been “so impressed” with Santo, and he and his teammates were “excited to work with him”.
He said: “I’ve been so impressed with him so far, with the way he manages himself, and what he wants and demands from the team.
“I think we’ve all bought into that, and I think the performance tonight was a credit to him. We’ve played against him many times in the Premier League, and we’re all excited to work with him.”
