Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been confirmed as West Ham manager after the club parted ways with Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday.
Potter says he is ready for a ‘big challenge’ at the London club, with the 49-year-old signing a two-and-a-half-year-deal.
Ex-boss Lopetegui was relieved of his duties after just six months in charge.
Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Potter was full of enthusiasm.
However, he did not shy away from the difficulties he expects to face.
He said: “It’s a proud day to be head coach of this amazing club, big tradition, big history, big expectations, big challenge.
“I’m really excited, it’s a bit like Christmas – Christmas for the adults. Excited, not the best of sleeps last night just from excitement.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the players today, meeting our supporters and getting going.”
West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the Club’s new Head Coach ⚒️
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 9, 2025
Graham Potter Takes Over At Struggling West Ham
It’s been a disappointing season so far for West Ham. Many expected the 2023 Europa Conference League winners to kick on and push for further European football, but that hasn’t happened.
The Irons are currently 14th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the bottom three.
With six league wins from 20 games, they are closer to relegation than Europe as it stands.
Potter’s appointment is his first job since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
He said: “It’s been 20 months of a good rest, a good break and you can imagine in that time you speak to lots of people. Lots of conversations with different owners and different directors.
“But it was important that I chose the right option for me at the right time and as soon as I spoke to this club, it just felt right for me.
“It’s an amazing club with a tremendous, loyal fanbase that is passionate, knowledgeable, knows their football and what they want. I think it’s a good fit.
“My experience is that if you can build a team that is recognisable on the pitch, that the supporters identify with, are proud of and enjoy watching and you get that trust and connection between the players and the supporters, with everybody aligned, that’s the key.”
Potter’s Time At Chelsea Was Full Of Learnings
Graham Potter cost Chelsea an eye-watering £21m in compensation when they signed him from Brighton.
He impressed on the South Coast, and was the first appointment at Stamford Bridge of the Todd Boehly era.
However, poor results followed, and he was sacked after seven months.
But he believes his past failings have made him a better manager.
“In professional sport, you’ve got something to prove every day, it drives you forward,” he added.
“I’m comfortable with who I am, what I’ve done and clearly no one’s perfect, life is about taking the successes and accepting the setbacks and defeats.
“I think I’m a better person and a better coach for the experience.”
West Ham’s first match under Potter will be Friday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Aston Villa.
They then face Fulham at home in the Premier League on Tuesday.
