Potter faces big challenge at West Ham
Graham Potter says he is looking forward to a "big challenge" after being confirmed as the new West Ham manager.
The 49-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the London club, who sacked Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday after six months in charge.
"It’s a proud day to be head coach of this amazing club, big tradition, big history, big expectations, big challenge," Potter said.
"I’m really excited, it’s a bit like Christmas – Christmas for the adults. Excited, not the best of sleeps last night just from excitement.
"I’m looking forward to meeting the players today, meeting our supporters and getting going."
Potter takes over with the Hammers 14th in the Premier League - seven points above the relegation zone - with just six league wins to their name.
It is his first managerial position since being dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023.
"It’s been 20 months of a good rest, a good break and you can imagine in that time you speak to lots of people. Lots of conversations with different owners and different directors," he added.
"But it was important that I chose the right option for me at the right time and as soon as I spoke to this club, it just felt right for me.
"It’s an amazing club with a tremendous, loyal fanbase that is passionate, knowledgeable, knows their football and what they want. I think it’s a good fit.
"My experience is that if you can build a team that is recognisable on the pitch, that the supporters identify with, are proud of and enjoy watching and you get that trust and connection between the players and the supporters, with everybody aligned, that’s the key."
’I’m a better coach for Chelsea experience’
Potter was Chelsea’s first managerial appointment following Todd Boehly’s takeover, but dismissed after less than seven months in charge.
The Blues paid more than £21m in compensation to Brighton, where Potter had impressed after leading the Seagulls to Premier League finishes of 15th, 16th and ninth in a three-year spell.
Potter, who has also managed at Ostersunds FK and Swansea City, oversaw a record £323m outlay at Stamford Bridge in the 2023 January transfer window, but success did not materialise and he was sacked following an 11th defeat in 31 games.
"In professional sport, you’ve got something to prove every day, it drives you forward," he said.
"I’m comfortable with who I am, what I’ve done and clearly no one’s perfect, life is about taking the successes and accepting the setbacks and defeats.
"I think I’m a better person and a better coach for the experience."
He was also linked with the England job before Thomas Tuchel, his predecessor at Chelsea, was appointed as Gareth Southgate’s successor.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Potter said club football was "more rewarding" than international management.
Potter’s first assignment will be West Ham’s FA Cup third-round tie at Aston Villa on Friday, before they return to Premier League action at home to Fulham on Tuesday.
