Paco Jémez, the assistant manager of West Ham United, has warned the club that he is the type to “pull out my gun” when it comes to confrontations.
Marca have an interview with the Spaniard today. He covers his new role at the London Stadium under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Hammers fans are likely going to have to get used to their coach speaking to the Spanish media. He was working as pundit ahead of taking the job, and has already chatted to old pals on multiple occasions over the past week.
West Ham appointed the Spaniard earlier this month. The 55-year-old is working as Espirito Santo’s assistant manager, adding experience behind the scenes as they look to avoid relegation this season.
He’s had a wide-ranging career in Spain to date, working as a manager at various clubs since 2006. This is the first time he’s acted as an assistant managed in his managerial career to date.
It’s a new experience for him, to say the least, and he outlined what the new role entails for him under Nuno.
“I’d never been an assistant before, I’d always been a head coach, and I was unsure how I’d fit in,” he said.
“Nuno’s the one in charge here, that’s crystal clear, but he brought me in not to agree with everything, but to tell him what I think. He gives me practically the same authority as if I were the head coach.”
Why West Ham coach won’t be holding back
Speaking his mind is nothing new for Jémez, who has made a career doing as much back in his homeland.
He is very much a manager with a stage presence, one who isn’t afraid of confrontation when it is needed. That’s already been seen at West Ham, where he’s been spotted having fiery interactions with Nuno on the sidelines.
That follows a trend of outbursts in his past. He has a long history of fighting with players and fellow managers throughout his time in Spain. Now he wants to warn West Ham’s players he’s not scared of the rough approach.
“Making a fuss isn’t a bad thing, because the spotlight is on you. The players are somewhat relegated to the background,” he added.
“I’m the type to pull out my gun. There are coaches who dodge every arrow; I don’t.”
