Graham Potter says today feels like a late Christmas Day for him after he was announced as the new head coach of West Ham United.
Potter, the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea head coach, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed on Wednesday.
Having had over a year-and-a-half out of management following his departure from Chelsea in April 2023, Potter says just like kids the night before Christmas, he couldn't sleep the eve before being confirmed as West Ham head coach.
"I'm very excited, it's a very proud day, to be head coach of this amazing club, with a big tradition, big history, big expectations, big challenge," Potter said in his first press conference as West Ham head coach.
"I'm excited, it's like Christmas for adults! Not the best of sleeps last night because of the excitement. I'm looking forward to meeting the players, fans and getting going."
Potter: West Ham a good fit for me
Potter has been linked in the media with a number of Premier League jobs during his break, including managerial roles at Manchester United, Leicester City, Southampton and Everton.
“I think I’m the only coach in world football that’s been linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week," Potter joked to Sky Sports in September 2024.
He says "everybody is sick" of hearing his name in speculation, and revealed why he chose West Ham to return to management with.
"I consider myself lucky to be here, thankful to be here," Potter said. "I apologise that my name has been linked [with lots of clubs], everybody is sick of it.
"It's been 20 months, a good break. I've had conversations with different directors, owners, but it think it was important I chose the right option at the right time. When I spoke to this club it felt right. I think it's a good fit.
"When you've had lots of time to think there's a feeling in you, a combination of lots of factors. The board's ambition, their trust and belief in me, looking at the playing squad, the academy, the work that Mark Noble [sporting director] does behind the scenes there. The supporters are passionate, knowledgeable, loyal.
"When you add it all up it's a massive club, It's a family club and that appeals to me too, that sense of fighting together."
In his first interview with West Ham, he added: "I was patient for a reason, to wait for the right opportunity, and I just felt this was the right move for me."
Does Potter have point to prove?
Potter made a name for himself as a manager in the 2010s, leading Swedish fourth-tier side Ostersunds to back-to-back promotions, before taking them into the top flight for the first time in the club's history and then into the UEFA Europa League.
He then impressed in managerial positions at Swansea City and Brighton, the latter of whom he led to a best Premier League finish of ninth in 2021/22, all while earning plaudits for his exciting tactics.
But his last job lasted less than a year, departing Chelsea in April 2023 with a record of 11 losses in 31 matches with the Blues 11th in the Premier League table.
So, does he return to the Premier League with a point to prove?
"When I hear [Pep] Guardiola say he's got something to prove then we all have!" Potter said.
"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."
To West Ham's website, he added: "I want to keep improving as a coach. I’m really pleased with the career I’ve had so far, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved during my 12 or 13 years as a coach. Going from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the quarter-finals of the Champions League is a journey that doesn’t come for free.
"I’ve enjoyed the break I’ve had, but now I’m looking forward to the next 12 years. I’m delighted to be at a Club that I think has an ambition to compete in the Premier League and move towards being back involved in those European nights that the supporters have really enjoyed over the last few years.
"There’s always an ambition for all of us to really test ourselves at the highest level. At the moment the start point is the team and the group we have, and again I can’t wait to meet everyone and to start working with everyone, because there’s so much talent here.
"When you’ve had a bit of time off you have some time to think about why you really want to do something, and about your real ambitions, and I think it’s always to work with players, and to help them, the team and the club improve."
Will West Ham fans see attacking style of play?
West Ham have struggled so far this season, with Lopetegui leaving after just 20 matches with a return of 23 points, scoring only 24 goals and conceding 39.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 |
West Ham
WHU
|
20 | -15 | 23 |
| 15 |
Crystal Palace
CRY
|
20 | -7 | 21 |
| 16 |
Everton
EVE
|
19 | -10 | 17 |
| 17 |
Wolves
WOL
|
20 | -14 | 16 |
| 18 |
Ipswich
IPS
|
20 | -15 | 16 |
| 19 |
Leicester
LEI
|
20 | -21 | 14 |
| 20 |
Southampton
SOU
|
20 | -32 | 6 |
So, should West Ham fans be excited about the prospect of a change in style of play?
"My focus is on meeting the players and preparing for a game in third round of the FA Cup against [Aston] Villa," he said.
"My experience is if you can build a team that's identifiable on the pitch, the supporters are proud of and enjoy watching. Everybody is aligned in terms of what we want to achieve and how to play football. If that alignment is there and there's that connection between club and fans, then why put a ceiling on anything?"
"You can talk about attacking football and style of play but if you're not balanced it becomes difficult. Of course you want to attack and play good football but like in life, there has to be balance.
"I need to work with the players, learn about them, but until you get under the bonnet you're never sure. That's what I'm excited about."
To West Ham's website, he added: "It’s certainly an exciting squad, and I’m looking forward to getting to work. It’s a squad that had investment in the summer, and it’s probably been a transitional phase, so we have to understand where everybody’s at, and what their strengths and weaknesses are."