West Ham: Christmas came late for Graham Potter, but it still counts
English coach signs two-and-a-half-year deal; hasn’t coached for 20 months since leaving Chelsea
After almost a year without coaching, Graham Potter returns to the bench to coach West Ham , replacing former FC Porto coach Julen Lopetegui.
Having not coached since 2022/23, when he led Chelsea, Potter spoke of the excitement of taking charge of West Ham: «I’m very excited, it’s a great pride to be managing this fantastic club, with great tradition, great history, great expectations, great challenge. I’m excited, it’s like Christmas for adults! I didn’t even sleep well last night because of the excitement. I’m looking forward to meeting the players, the fans and getting to work», he said on Thursday morning at his presentation, just minutes after being made official.
Potter also spoke about his time away: “It was 20 months [away], a good break. I had conversations with different directors, owners, but I think it was important to choose the right option at the right time. When I spoke to this club, it felt right. I think it’s a good option.”
The coach will make his debut this Friday in the third round of the FA Cup against Aston Villa.
Potter takes over a team that is 14th in the Premier League , with 23 points.
