The phrase ‘too many cooks’ may have crossed the mind of West Ham United supporters when Paco Jemez was appointed to join Nuno Espirito Santo’s coaching staff a month ago.

Then again, at that point, the broth was already taking on a pretty bitter taste.

Still, the unexpected arrival of a 55-year-old with over 500 games under his belt as a head coach led to some awkward questions about Nuno Espirito Santo’s future. West Ham United were seven points adrift of Nottingham Forest when Paco Jemez arrived in mid-January.

What would you say if Paco Jemez took Nuno’s job?

He’s certainly made a big impact…

One month later, that gap has closed to just two points. The Hammers can even leapfrog the team in 17th place with a victory at home to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

Fortunately, Jemez joining forces with his old Deportivo la Coruna teammate has not spoiled the proverbial broth. The former has instead added a little dash of seasoning, helping to bring out the flavours in a previously tasteless outfit.

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Paco Jemez lifts the lid on his relationship with Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham United

Nuno promised that Jemez would bring ‘more ideas’ and ‘more energy’. It is a credit to the former Rayo Vallecano coach, meanwhile, that he has accepted his role as a number two with a great deal of maturity, albeit without losing the bullishness that made him such a hit back in his heyday in the mid-2010s.

Jemez is not afraid to tell Nuno what he’s thinking. A very public disagreement between the two at the end of that 3-1 victory over Sunderland was not two old stags butting antlers, but instead a frank exchange of ideas between two men who respect each other greatly.

Speaking to Maldini World, Jemez lifts the lid on the relationship between he and the man four years his junior. They are both ‘very different’ characters tactically speaking – Nuno an arch pragmatist while Jemez is loved by Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and co because of his possession-heavy style – but very much pulling in the same direction.

“Well, from a technical point of view, as coaches we are very different,” Jemez says. “And I think that’s why he called me. He called me because he needed to change a few things.

“I think what was needed most was someone to come and blow fresh air; someone from the outside who was not ‘contaminated’ by the atmosphere in the team of losing so much.

“In the end, we’re both working together, seeing things very differently, but trying to reach an agreement. I’m very clear that ultimately, the final decision is always his.”

Jemez believes the Hammers will stay in the Premier League

Things are looking up 😍 So who are we sending down to the Championship?!

Forest? Leeds?……Spurs? 🙏

Jemez raved about the impact of captain Jarrod Bowen in that very same interview. With two goals and two assists in his last five Premier League matches, Bowen is one of a number of players who appear to have a new lease of life under the new assistant coach.

Jemez is convinced that survival will be secured. And, while he shot to fame by turning Rayo Vallecano into one of the most attractive, dominant teams in Europe on a shoestring budget, the likes of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles insist West Ham’s defence has been much improved by Jemez’s ability to organise a side out of possession.

Arguably an unexpected plus to come out of his appointment.

“We were in a very bad run of form,” Jemez told Cadena Cope last week, shortly after the 1-1 draw with Manchester United. “We were seven points behind [the teams on the other side of the relegation zone].

“However, in the last few matches, the team has shown signs of life. They’ve picked up the pace, they’ve believed in what they’re doing, tweaking a few things and without making big changes. If we continue like this, I’m convinced that the team will move up and we won’t be the ones who get relegated.”