Graham Potter has admitted that he arrives at West Ham with a point to prove, echoing Pep Guardiola’s recent sentiments: “If Pep Guardiola does, then we all do!”
Potter, 49, was unveiled as the Hammers’ new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract, following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui. His appointment marks the end of a long sabbatical, having been out of work since Chelsea dismissed him in April 2023.
The Englishman’s brief and troubled tenure at Chelsea, where he didn’t survive his first full season, represented the first major setback in what had been an otherwise promising managerial career. Potter previously impressed at Swedish club Östersunds, Swansea, and Brighton, building a reputation for progressive football.
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Now tasked with rebuilding his reputation, Potter is not shying away from the challenge, and draws on Guardiola’s own remarks about proving himself during Manchester City’s recent slump.
“When I listen to Pep Guardiola, he says he’s got something to prove,” Potter said during his first press conference as West Ham manager. “If he’s got something to prove, then we all have. It’s the reality.
“In professional sport, you’ve always got something to prove every day. It drives you forward. I’m comfortable in my own skin, I’m comfortable with who I am and what I’ve done. Clearly, no one’s perfect.
“Life is about taking the successes, accepting the setbacks and defeats, accepting mistakes, dealing with them, and making yourself stronger. That’s part of who we are.
“I think I’m a better person now for the experience [at Chelsea], a better coach for the experience, and well-rested.”
Potter will take training for the first time on Thursday afternoon and faces a quick turnaround for Friday night’s FA Cup third-round tie away at Aston Villa.
West Ham are currently struggling in 14th place in the Premier League, conceding goals at an alarming rate and missing key forwards Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen to long-term injuries.
Despite receiving numerous offers from Premier League and international clubs during his time out of management, Potter is confident that he has chosen the right moment to return to coaching.
