Potter says it feels like 'Christmas' as he becomes West Ham boss / Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS - AFP
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Potter says it feels like 'Christmas' as he becomes West Ham boss
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter returned to top-tier management after almost two years on Thursday when he was named West Ham manager and said it felt "a bit like Christmas for adults!".
The 49-year-old Englishman had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, the club said. Potter replaces former Spain and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on Wednesday.
Potter had been out of management since he was fired by Chelsea in April 2023, just seven months into a five-year contract. He won 12 of his 31 matches in charge.
Despite his failure at Chelsea, he was considered as a replacement when Gareth Southgate stepped down from the England job following defeat to Spain in last year's Euro final.
The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone, after six wins in 20 league matches during Lopetegui's ill-fated tenure.
A 4-1 hammering at champions Manchester City on Saturday was the final straw for the London club.
Potter said his batteries were recharged after the disappointment of the spell at Chelsea. He said West Ham had made a good pitch selling themselves to him.
"It's a bit like Christmas for adults! I didn't sleep much last night because of the excitement," he said at a press conference on Thursday.
"It's been 20 months or so of good rest, and conversations with different people.
"It was important I chose the right option for me at the right time. As soon as I spoke to West Ham it felt right for me.
"I'm really excited to be at an amazing club with a brilliant fanbase, and I think it's a good fit.
Potter began his managerial career at Swedish club Ostersund. He had successful spells with Swansea and Brighton before taking over at Stamford Bridge.
- 'Fans identify with' -
His first match will be an FA Cup third round-tie against Aston Villa on Friday. That will be followed by Premier League games against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Lopetegui was appointed in the close season after David Moyes was fired with the board dissatisfied with his style of play.
Moyes had guided West Ham to the Europa Conference League trophy in 2023, their first silverware in more than 40 years.
Lopetegui failed to spark the changes the board and fans wanted and heavy back-to-back defeats by Liverpool and Manchester City over the Christmas period sealed his fate.
Potter said his priority would be to build a team that pleased the fans.
"There's tradition and demands here, and recent success," said Potter.
"That's what we want to work towards.
"It's my first day, so I need to meet everyone, and tomorrow's match will be my immediate focus.
"I think if you can create a team that the fans identify with, and get everyone aligned with what we want to achieve, and build trust, that's key."
Lopetegui was the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season, following the sackings of Erik ten Hag (Manchester United), Steve Cooper (Leicester), Gary O'Neil (Wolves) and Russell Martin (Southampton).
West Ham were among the biggest spenders in the Premier League in the summer transfer window, splashing out around £125 million ($155 million) on players including Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug.
"My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive," said Potter.
"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."
D.Gismondi--LDdC
