New West Ham boss Graham Potter insists he’s a “higher” and a “wiser” coach 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 administration since leaving the Blues in April 2023.
The Englishman lasted lower than eight months throughout a chaotic reign at Stramford Bridge which noticed him win solely seven of his 22 Premier League video games.
However regardless of his beforehand burgeoning repuation from his time at Brighton taking successful, Potter believes his time in West London has improved him as a coach.
Chatting with the media for the primary time, Potter mentioned: “I’m a greater individual and coach for the expertise, and effectively rested. I had 12 years of being a supervisor, the break has achieved me good, and given me an opportunity to relaxation and mirror.
“Now I’m right here and delighted.
“We haven’t acquired that preparation time, that’s the truth, however I’m a bit wiser. There is a perfect time I assume however typically when the chance comes up you’ve acquired to take it. We’ve acquired a fantastic week forward.”
Requested whether or not he now feels the necessity to show himself once more, Potter added: “After I hear [Pep] Guardiola say he’s acquired one thing to show then all of us have! It’s the truth {of professional} sport.
“I’m snug in my very own pores and skin, who I’m and what I’ve achieved. However no person is ideal. Life is about accepting setbacks and errors and shifting ahead. I believe I’m a greater coach for the expertise, I really feel effectively rested.”
“The minute I spoke to this membership, it simply felt proper for me”
Graham Potter solutions questions for the primary time since turning into the brand new West Ham boss ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
— Sky Sports activities Information (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2025
Potter: ‘Necessary I waited for the proper function’
Potter, who has additionally impressed in control of Swansea and Ostersunds in addition to with the Seagulls, has been repeatedly linked with managerial roles throughout his 20-month spell out of administration.
The 49-year-old was named as a contender to succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss earlier than Thomas Tuchel, who Potter changed at Chelsea, was appointed.
Potter mentioned: “It’s been 20 months, a very good break. I’ve had conversations with totally different administrators, house owners, but it surely assume it was necessary I selected the proper choice on the proper time.
“After I spoke to this membership it felt proper. I believe it’s a very good match.”
On why West Ham was the proper membership, he mentioned: “Whenever you’ve had a number of time to assume there’s a sense in you, a mixture of a number of elements.
“The board’s ambition, their belief and perception in me, trying on the taking part in squad, the academy, the work that Mark Noble does behind the scenes there. The supporters are passionate, educated, loyal.
“Whenever you add all of it up it’s a large membership, It’s a household membership and that appeals to me too, that sense of preventing collectively.”
Potter: ‘I really feel fortunate to be at West Ham’
After selecting the London Stadium as his subsequent vacation spot, Potter reiterated how privileged he felt to be given the chance with the Premier League membership.
He added: “I take into account myself fortunate to be right here, grateful to be right here. I apologise that my identify has been linked [with lots of clubs], all people is sick of it.
“I’m right here now, very completely happy and proud and privileged to be on this place. I hope I can do a very good job and the supporters are constructive in direction of me. Up to now the assist has been nice, the phrases of encouragement have been touching.”
Potter confirms backroom employees
Graham Potter confirmed he might be joined by former Brighton skipper Bruno Saltor (assistant coach), Billy Reid (first staff coach) and Narcis Pelach (first staff coach) at West Ham.
“That’s the core group,” Potter mentioned on his administration staff. “I’m trying ahead to working with the employees right here on the membership.”
Potter’s first sport in cost might be away at Aston Villa within the FA Cup third spherical on Friday night time earlier than internet hosting Fulham the next Tuesday.