New West Ham boss Graham Potter insists 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 since leaving the Blues in April 2023.
The Englishman lasted less than eight months during a chaotic reign at Stramford Bridge that saw him win just seven of his 22 Premier League games.
But despite his previously soaring reputation from his time at Brighton, 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 rested. I had been a coach for 12 years, the break was good for me and gave me a chance to rest and think.
“Now I’m here and I’m happy.
“We don’t have time to prepare, that’s the reality, but I’m a bit wiser. There is an ideal time I guess, but sometimes when the opportunity comes you have to take it. We have a great week ahead of us.”
Asked if he now feels the need to prove himself again, Potter added: “When I hear (Pep) Guardiola saying he has something to prove, then we all have! It’s the reality of professional sports.
“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.”
“The moment I spoke to this club, it felt right for me”
Graham Potter answers questions for first time since becoming West Ham’s new boss ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2025
Potter: “It was important 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 spell out of 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 discussions with different directors, owners, but I think it was important that 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.”
On why West Ham were the right team, he said: “When you have a lot of time to think there’s a feeling inside you, a combination of a lot of factors.
“The ambition of the board, their trust and faith in me, looking at the team, the academy, the work that Mark Noble is doing behind the scenes. Supporters are passionate, knowledgeable, loyal.
“When you add it all up, it’s a massive club, it’s a family club and that’s what appeals to me too, that feeling of fighting together.”
Potter: “I feel lucky to be at West Ham”
After choosing 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 that my name has been associated (with many clubs), everyone is tired of it.
“I’m here now, very happy and proud and privileged to be in this position. I hope I can do a good job and the fans are positive towards me. So far the support has been great, the words of encouragement have been heartwarming.”
Potter confirms the backroom staff
Graham Potter has confirmed that he will be joined by former Brighton skipper Bruno Saltor (assistant manager), Billy Reid (first team manager) and Narcis Pelah (first team manager) at West Ham.
“This is the core team,” Potter told 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.
