After the weeks of speculation which had begun well before Christmas, and at least twelve days of rumour and counter rumours, in the end we got just twelve minutes of West Ham United’s new head coach in front of the cameras.
The contrast of a Graham Potter press conference and a Julen Lopetegui session could not have been more marked.
Potter, natural, speaking without hesitation, of course had the advantage of using his first language but that wasn’t it: There was a sense of Graham Potter returning to something he genuinely loved – the smile on the face at re-uniting with old journalist foes was real and not forced: The answers were immediate and considered, but without looking for landmines to be avoided at all cost which might have been hiding within every question.
West Ham’s new head coach used all the buzz words you’d expect – regarding the club he cited “Ambition, professionalism and determination to grow” whilst describing it as:”A massive family club:” 10/10 for sound bites, Mr P.
He had been unable to sleep through excitement last night, “like Christmas for Adults” were his words.
And He was: “Proud, privileged to be here.” Potter set out that his own approach will be: “Collaborative, aligned, all moving forward together” several times, aiming no doubt to start to heal the rifts that have been exposed in the dressing room and within the fan base during his predecessor’s time. When asked whether he has something to prove after Chelsea, his answer was telling and suggests he is better prepared for the never-ending scrutiny of being West Ham’s head coach :” Having something to prove is the reality of professional sport”.
As for the style of football, Potter was very honest:“Balance’ is the key. It is fine to attack and play good football but if you’re conceding loads of goals there’s no success!”
And of ambition? To “Create a team the supporters recognise and identify with, and [re-] build trust and connection between the team and supporters.”
The over riding impression Graham Potter created for me as a fan first and a writer second was of his genuine excitement at being back in the hot seat, and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
Can’t ask for more than that today.
