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 which saw him win just seven of his 22 Premier League games.
But despite his burgeoning reputation since 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 am a better person and a better coach because of this experience, and I am well rested. I was a manager for 12 years, this break did me good and gave me the opportunity to rest and reflect.
“Now I’m here and I’m delighted.
“We don’t have that preparation time, that’s the reality, but I’m a little wiser. There’s a perfect time, I suppose, but sometimes when the opportunity presents itself, you have to take it. We have a great week ahead of us.
Asked if he now felt the need to prove himself again, Potter added: “When I hear [Pep] Guardiola says he has something to prove, so we all did! This is the reality of professional sport.
“I’m comfortable in my skin, who I am and what I’ve done. But no one is perfect. Life is about accepting setbacks and mistakes and moving forward. I think I’m a better coach because of the experience, I feel well rested.
“As soon as I spoke to this club, it seemed right”
Graham Potter answers questions for the first time since becoming new West Ham boss ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2025
Potter: “Important, 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 absence from management.
The 49-year-old was named as a candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss ahead of the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, who Potter replaced at Chelsea.
Potter said: “It’s been 20 months, quite a break. I had conversations with different directors and owners, but I thought it was important that I chose the right option at the right time.
“When I spoke to this club I felt good. I think it’s a good choice.
On why West Ham was the right club, he said: “When you’ve had a lot of time to think, there’s a feeling in you, a combination of many factors.
“The ambition of the board, their trust and confidence in me, looking at the playing team, the academy, the work Mark Noble does there behind the scenes. The supporters are passionate, knowledgeable and loyal.
“When you add it all up, it’s a huge club, it’s a family club and I like that too, this 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 feels to have the opportunity to join the Premier League club.
He added: “I consider myself lucky to be here, grateful to be here. I apologize if my name has been linked [with lots of clubs]everyone is fed up.
“I am here now, very happy, proud and privileged to hold 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 touching.
Potter confirms backstage staff
Graham Potter has confirmed he will be joined by former Brighton skipper Bruno Saltor (assistant manager), Billy Reid (first team coach) and Narcis Pelach (first team coach) at West Ham.
“It’s the core group,” Potter said of his management team. “I look 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 evening before hosting Fulham the following Tuesday.
