New West Ham coach Graham Potter is counting on the support of the fans to help them through his first home match.
The Hammers face a tough test against in-form Fulham and are missing several key players, including Niklas Volkrug and Michail Antonio.
But the former Chelsea and Brighton boss believes that given the right atmosphere, the London Stadium could be a tough place for any team to come in.
Potter said in his press conference: “The most important thing is for the fans to stand behind the team and I have no doubts about them. As a coach off the field, it was difficult to come there, so we need that connection with the supporters and fans.
“We are in the early stages of it but we hope the results and performance will be good because it keeps them with us.
“I can't wait for the first home game tomorrow night.
Graham Potter speaks to the press before tomorrow's match with Fulham 🗣️
– West Ham United (@WestHam) January 13, 2025
“I think our supporters know where we are on our journey. In the end, the result is what matters most.
“We want to play the right way, but points are useful. If we can get both, that would be great.
The players' response and approach has been really good. They are excited to try to communicate with each other. It has been a difficult period, and we want to build together as one team.
“They're on board with it.”
Potter's first match in charge was a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The East London team took a 1-0 lead through Lucas Paqueta, but failed in the second half.
Victory over Fulham would lift them above both Manchester United and Tottenham in the Premier League table, at least temporarily.
But the Hammers will have to do without some key faces.
When asked if he was tempted to enter the transfer market this month, Potter added: “There's definitely a logical reason to do something (in this transfer window) but it's not always that simple. I don't want to do something for this window which is complicated.” Extremely.
“There are players coming back, so my focus is on how to make the team perform as well as possible.
“Sometimes, in these situations, you have to be creative, look at the attributes of your players.”
