New West Ham boss Graham Potter claims he is a “better” and “wiser” manager after a 20-month break since being sacked by Chelsea.
Potter was confirmed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor at West Ham on Thursday, sealing his return to management after leaving the Blues in April 2023.
The Englishman lasted less than eight months during a chaotic reign at Stramford Bridge in which he won just seven of his 22 Premier League games.
But despite his previously burgeoning reputation from his time at Brighton taking a hit, Potter believes his time in west London has improved him as a manager.
Speaking to the media for the first time, Potter said: “I’m a better person and coach for the experience, and I’m well rested. I was a manager for 12 years, the break came in handy and gave me a chance to rest and think.
“Now I’m here and I’m delighted.
“We don’t have that much time for preparations, that’s the reality, but I’m a little wiser. I guess there is an ideal time, but sometimes when an opportunity presents itself you have to take it. We have a great week ahead of us.”
When asked if he now feels the need to prove himself again, Potter added: “When I hear [Pep] Guardiola says he has something to prove than all of us! This is the reality of professional sports.
“I am comfortable in my own skin, who I am and what I have done. But no one is perfect. Life is about accepting failures and mistakes and moving forward. I think I’m a better coach for the experience, I feel rested.”
“The moment I spoke with this club, it felt good for me”
Graham Potter answers questions for the first time since becoming the new West Ham boss ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2025
Potter: ‘The important thing is that I waited for the right role’
Potter, who has also impressed in charge of Swansea and Ostersunds as well as the Seagulls, has been regularly linked with managerial roles during his 20-month stint in charge.
The 49-year-old was named as a candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager before Thomas Tuchel, who Potter replaced at Chelsea, was appointed.
Potter said: “It’s been 20 months, a good break. I had conversations with various directors, owners, but I think it is important that I chose the right option at the right time.
“When I spoke with this club, I felt good. I think it’s a good fit.”
On why West Ham is the right club, he said: “When you’ve had a lot of time to think, there’s a feeling in you, a combination of a lot of factors.
“The ambition of the management, their trust and faith in me, the view of the playing team, the academy, the work that Mark Noble does behind the scenes there. The fans are passionate, educated, loyal.
“When you add it all up, it’s a huge club, it’s a family club and that’s what attracts me too, that feeling of fighting together.”
Potter: I feel lucky to be at West Ham
Having chosen the London Stadium as his next destination, Potter reiterated how privileged he felt to be given the opportunity with the Premier League club.
He added: “I consider myself lucky to be here, grateful to be here. I apologize for my name being linked [with lots of clubs]everyone is sick of it.
“I am here now, I am very happy, proud and privileged to be in this position. I hope that I can do a good job and that the fans are positive towards me. So far the support has been great, the words of encouragement touching.”
Potter confirms the background staff
Graham Potter has confirmed that former Brighton captain Bruno Saltor (assistant coach), Billy Reid (first team coach) and Narcis Pelach (first team coach) will join him at West Ham.
“It’s a core group,” Potter said of his management team. “I’m looking forward to working with the staff here at the club.”
Potter’s first game in charge will be away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before hosting Fulham next Tuesday.
