The Hammers are looking to break their run of poor results in their Premier League clash with The Whites on Friday (10.24.25), though new head coach Santo has conceded the London club are still facing issues following their 2-0 loss to Brentford on Monday (10.20.25).
Speaking ahead of the game with Leeds, Santo, 51, said: “[My] concern is that the improvement must come from the players individually.
“[It is the] responsibility of the players to win their own games, the duels. Then, for sure, as a team we are going to improve.
“It is up to us to connect the fans. It is up to us that the fans go to the stadium and see something they enjoy. It is on our side.”
Santo added he could sense anxiety among the squad, who have only won one of their last eight games so far this season.
He said: “I felt it on the players. They were rushing their decisions. I see them work every day.
“We have quality and talent to make five-yard passes, but they were not happening. It is up to us to tell the players to play their game, try to ignore [outside noise] and focus on what is happening on the pitch.”
When asked whether West Ham would seek help in the January transfer window, Santo insisted “we must solve our own problems”.
He said: “It is us who is going to solve our problems. Us who is in the building, not us who is outside.”
The manager emphasized “everything” about the team needed to improve.
He explained: “We have to improve our players. We need to improve their fitness, tactical awareness - everything. We concede a lot of set-pieces - too many - but we defend them pretty well.
“We are improving on that but we need to improve on not conceding. Some of them are easy situations we can solve.”
Santo explained that it was not just West Ham’s defence that needed improving, as the Irons also need “the freedom to attack”, while pointing to forward Lucas Paqueta, 28.
He said: “Maybe it's the other way around. We have to improve Lucas - to get the best out of him.
“He can do a lot of things. We have the pieces to get the best out of him. We have speed in front. Now let's find solutions inside the team so that Lucas can deliver hs best.”
