Courtesy: Google
On Thursday, January 9, West Ham confirmed Graham Potter as the new manager of the club on a two-and-a-half year contract after sacking Julen Lopetegui just a day ago. The former Chelsea boss will be in a managerial job for the first-time since April 2023 when the West London club dismissed him, and after joining West Ham, he spoke about how the Hammers are the right fit for him, just like he was for them.
Notably, Julen Lopetegui was last in-charge of West Ham during their 1-4 loss in the Premier League against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, following which he was given his marching orders. After replacing David Moyes in the summer, the 58-year-old could secure only six wins in two league matches for the East London club, which meant that they are currently above the drop zone in 15th place, just behind fellow strugglers Manchester United.
I am delighted to be here: Graham Potter after becoming new West Ham manager
With Julen Lopetegui’s sudden departure, the rumours were swirling around in regards to Graham Potter taking the managerial role at West Ham in the last 24 hours before they confirmed it this morning. In his first interview to the club’s website, the 49-year-old was quoted as saying, “I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining.”
Graham Potter also alluded to his talks with the top club officials at West Ham, and he wants to bring success with their support. He said, “That is the feeling I have with West Ham United. My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive. We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success. And we are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short term and then how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”
In his new job, Graham Potter will get the opportunity to be at the touchline for the first-time when West Ham travel to the Villa Park, to play against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round tie on January 10, and just four days later, his first home game at the London Stadium will be against Fulham in the Premier League.
