New West Ham manager Graham Potter is relying on the support of the fans to help him in his first home game.
The Hammers face a tough test against high-flying Fulham and are without several key players, including Niclas Fulkrug and Michail Antonio.
But the former Chelsea and Brighton manager believes that with the right atmosphere, the London Stadium can be a tough place for any team to come.
Speaking at his press conference, Potter said: “The most important thing is that the fans are behind the team and I have no doubt about them. As an away coach, it was hard to come by, so we need that connection with the fans and the fans.
“We are in the early stages of it but hopefully the results and the performances are good as this brings them with us.
“I’m looking forward to the first home game tomorrow night.
Graham Potter speaks to the press ahead of tomorrow’s game against Fulham 🗣️
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 13, 2025
“I think our supporters know where we are with our journey. The result is the most important after all.
“We want to play the right way, but the points help us. If we could have both, that would be great.
The response and approach of the players was very good. They are enthusiastic to try and connect with each other. It’s been a tough time and we want to build together as a team.
“They agree with that.”
Potter’s first game was a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The East London club took a 1-0 lead through Lucas Paqueta, but fell behind in the second half.
A win over Fulham will move them above Manchester United and Tottenham in the Premier League table, at least temporarily.
But the Hammers will have to do without some key figures.
Asked if he was tempted to dip into the transfer market this month, Potter added: “There is certainly a logical logic to doing something (in this transfer window) but it’s not always that simple. I wouldn’t want to do anything for the sake of it in this window that is too complicated.
“There are players coming back, so my focus is on how to make the team work as well as possible.
“Sometimes in these situations you have to be creative and look at the characteristics of your players.”
