Graham Potter hoping to build a West Ham United side fans can enjoy watching
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Soccer Football - West Ham United new manager Graham Potter - Press Conference - London Stadium, London, Britain - January 9, 2025 West Ham United manager Graham Potter during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
REUTERS
LONDON – West Ham United’s new boss Graham Potter said he has become a better manager following his ill-fated stint at Chelsea, who sacked him in April 2023.
The 49-year-old Englishman was appointed as the Hammers’ new boss on a 2½-year contract on Jan 9, a day after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed with the east London side 14th in the English Premier League, just seven points above the drop zone.
Asked if he had a point to prove after his time with the Blues – where he was booted out after just 31 games and seven months into a five-year contract – Potter said: “When I hear (Manchester City manager Pep) Guardiola say he’s got something to prove, then we all have. It’s the reality of professional sport.
“I’m comfortable in my own skin, who I am and what I’ve done. But nobody is perfect. Life is about accepting setbacks and mistakes and moving forward. I think I’m a better coach for the experience, I feel well-rested...
“It’s been 20 months, a good break. I’ve had conversations with different directors, owners... When I spoke to this club, it felt right. I think it’s a good fit.”
West Ham said in a statement that Potter was “a highly respected and sought-after coach” with a “progressive style and flexible tactical approach”, adding that he was the “board’s unanimous choice”.
He has been tasked with bringing about a revolution in style at the London Stadium, with fans having grown weary of the pragmatic brand of football favoured by ex-boss David Moyes during his tenure, before the Scot left at the end of last term. Potter’s first match will be an FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on Jan 10, followed by league games against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Potter said his primary objective is to build a team who are identifiable on the pitch, one that the supporters are proud of and enjoy watching.
Having also been linked with the England job before Thomas Tuchel’s appointment in October, the former Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion manager said he was glad to finally stop being associated with clubs that have managerial vacancies.
“I apologise that my name has been linked (with lots of clubs), everybody is sick of it,” he added.
Over at Goodison Park, Everton have sacked manager Sean Dyche, the Premier League club said on Jan 9, hours before their FA Cup third-round home tie against Peterborough United.
The Toffees are just one point above the relegation zone after posting just three wins in their first 19 matches.
The club’s Under-18 head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis. REUTERS, AFP