New West Ham boss Graham Potter has insisted he is a “better” and “wiser” manager after a 20-month hiatus since his sacking as Chelsea manager.
Potter was confirmed as Julen Lopetegui's successor at West Ham on Thursday, securing 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 out of 22 Premier League matches.
But despite his previously thriving reputation during his time at Brighton where he took a knock, Potter believes his time in west London has contributed to his improvement as a coach.
Speaking to the media for the first time, Potter said: “I'm a better person and coach with experience, and I'm well rested. I've spent 12 years working as a manager, and this break has benefited me, given me a chance to rest and reflect.
“Now I am here and I am happy.
“We don't have time to prepare, that's the truth, but I'm a little bit wiser. I think there is an ideal time but sometimes when the opportunity comes you have to seize it. We have a great week ahead.”
Asked if he now felt the need to prove himself again, Potter added: “When I hear (Pep) Guardiola say he has something to prove, we all have something! It's the reality of professional sport.
“I'm comfortable in my skin, who I am and what I've done. But no one's perfect. Life is about accepting setbacks and mistakes and moving forward. I think I'm a better coach for this experience. I feel good.”
“The moment I spoke to this club, it seemed right to me.”
Graham Potter answers questions for the first time since becoming West Ham's new manager ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
– Sky Sports News (SkySportsNews) January 9, 2025
Potter: “The important thing is that I waited for the right role.”
Potter, who has also impressed in charge of Swansea and Ostersund as well as the Seagulls, has been regularly linked with managerial roles during his 20-month spell away from management.
The 49-year-old was named as a contender to succeed Gareth Southgate as England coach ahead of the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Potter at Chelsea.
“It's been 20 months, which is a good break,” Potter said. “I've had conversations with different managers and owners, but I think it's important that I make the right choice at the right time.
“When I spoke to this club, it felt right. I think it's a good fit.”
Regarding why West Ham is the right club, he said: “When you have a lot of time to think, there is a feeling inside you, which is a combination of a lot of factors.
“The ambition of the board, their confidence in me, looking at the team, the academy and the work Mark Noble does behind the scenes there. The supporters are passionate, knowledgeable and loyal.
“When you put it all together, it's a huge club, it's a family club and I like that too, that 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 honored he felt to have been given the opportunity with the Premier League club.
He added: “I consider myself lucky to be here, and I feel grateful to be here. I apologize because my name has been linked (to many clubs), everyone is tired of that.
“I am here now, very happy, proud and honored to be in this position. I hope I can do well and the fans will be positive towards me. The support has been amazing so far and the words of encouragement have been touching.”
Potter confirms the backroom staff
Graham Potter has confirmed that he will be joined by former Brighton captain Bruno Saltor (assistant coach), Billy Reid (first-team coach) and Narcisse Belach (first-team coach) at West Ham.
“This is the core group,” Potter said of his management team. “I look forward to working with the staff here at the club.”
Potter's first match in charge will be away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday evening before hosting Fulham the following Tuesday.
