Nuno Espírito Santo: Privileged as Premier League’s only black boss | OneFootball

Nuno Espírito Santo gave a lengthy interview this Thursday to the British station BBC Sport Africa, in which he stated that it is “a privilege” and “an honor” to currently be the only active black coach in the top tier of English football, downplaying explanations based on prejudice.

“I think there are several talented black coaches who, soon, may be involved in the Premier League. Many of them will have good seasons, and will be available,” said the successor to Graham Potter as head coach of West Ham, while also acknowledging that “it is always necessary to draw people’s attention to the issue of minority underrepresentation in the competition.”

“The difference between us is not something that coaches look at. I don’t believe in that. It’s thanks to your talent, it’s thanks to your hard work, and it’s thanks to a project you have launched well that people are looking to hire,” added the former goalkeeper, aged 51.

“One day, I will return to São Tomé and Príncipe”

Although he represented Portugal’s youth teams, Nuno recalled that he was born in São Tomé and Príncipe and does not forget his roots: “Life was beautiful. I lived near the sea. In my family, we lived close to one another. I miss living there.”

“It makes you feel humble when you visit São Tomé. You see how poor people are, people who are struggling, and that’s why we are privileged to have everything we want,” he added.

“I had the privilege of having some African coaches do a few weeks of training and observation with me, at various clubs, and I was impressed by the quality of their work. I was impressed by the knowledge they had already acquired,” he continued.

“They came here, to England, to try to learn from us, but they have many good things to teach us, because African football is very special, in terms of freedom, in terms of talent, in terms of individuality,” he concluded.

To finish, Nuno left a promise: “One day, I will return [to São Tomé and Príncipe], to try to influence coaches, to try to pass on some of my experience and share my knowledge.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.