Graham Potter to West Ham: Ex-Chelsea boss closes in on return to coaching after positive talks | Football news
Graham Potter is closing in on a return to football to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following further positive talks with club officials.
Sky Sports News understands there is optimism from both sides that a deal can be struck, with the 49-year-old potentially set to take charge of Friday’s upcoming FA Cup third-round clash with Aston Villa.
There are still contractual details to be agreed between the two parties, with Everton keeping an interest in the background as pressure continues to mount on current boss Sean Dyche.
Potter has been out of management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023 after previously managing Brighton and Hove Albion, Swansea City and Sweden’s Ostersund.
Lopetegui trained with West Ham on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s cup clash with Villa.
West Ham have also held talks with Paulo Fonseca, who left AC Milan last month, and Christophe Galtier, who currently manages Qatari side Al-Duhail.
Potter was determined to take his time in choosing his next role, feeling it was a crucial decision after the crushing disappointment he suffered at Stamford Bridge.
He has been out of work for more than 18 months since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 and is determined to make a difference after the first really significant setback in an otherwise steadily rising managerial career.
Potter turned down the chance to take over at Ajax when he was first choice at the Amsterdam club, and similarly distanced himself from opportunities at Leicester, Southampton and even AC Milan last spring because he didn’t feel they were right for him.
Financially, too, Potter was in no rush to get a new job, as he was entitled to a lucrative severance package from Chelsea that kept him going long after his dismissal.
However, he has been ready to return to football for several months and is actively considering various options.
Sources close to Lopetegui have learned that the head coach of West Ham is surprised and frustrated by the situation surrounding his future.
Despite the results, Lopetegui feels the West Ham players and dressing room are still behind him, including captain Jarrod Bowen and players who have not featured regularly under the Spaniard’s leadership.
If they keep him, Lopetegui is confident West Ham could take maximum points in their next two league games at home to Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Before the 5-0 defeat by Liverpool, West Ham had picked up eight points from a possible 12 against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton and Lopetegui believes they have shown signs of improvement in that period.
However, since then, West Ham have suffered back-to-back defeats against Liverpool, followed by a 4-1 defeat at Man City on Saturday.
West Ham is 14th in the Premier League with six wins from 20 games.
Will this delay West Ham transfers?
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett speaking on Tuesday night:
“I expect [Graham Potter] to be named in the next few days.
“Then he will speak to Potter about the new signings he wants. Almost every club in the Premier League has a sporting and technical director.
“One deals with the managerial situation, maybe the sports director is in charge of football policy.
“I understand West Ham are quite active even after spending £100m this summer, they’re looking at what’s out there and they’re interested in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It doesn’t put their transfer business on hold, but it could be delayed.”
Carra: Potter to West Ham is good for both
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes West Ham could finally get the manager they thought they were getting in Lopetegui if Potter is appointed.
Speaking further Monday Night Footballsaid: “The whole reason they moved away from David Moyes wasn’t really the results as such – last season wasn’t great, they had better seasons. Basically, Moyes did a good job at West Ham. But I always felt that West Ham he wants his ‘Robert De Zerbi’, a guy who comes in and plays brilliant football.
“But don’t forget it started with Graham Potter coming in behind Chris Hughton who was a different type of manager and they [Brighton] wanted to change things. West Ham wanted to change things up and be a team that was at the fore and took the game to the opposition.
“We know Potter can do that. If he can unlock some of the attacking talent that West Ham have, it’s a good move for both of them if the deal goes through.”
Potter’s first five games?
- January 10: Aston Villa – FA Cup
- January 14: Fulham – Premier League
- January 18: Crystal Palace – Premier League
- January 26: Aston Villa – Premier League
- February 3: Chelsea – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
