The simplicity of Graham Potter’s management style has been laid bare for all to see.
The new West Ham manager’s comments (reported by Martin this morning) about his deployment of Mohammed Kudus seem to have immediately cut through the confusion that plagued the player’s early-season form.
Shortly after Julen Lopetegui’s appointment, Kudus gave an interview expressing excitement about working with the Hammers’ new manager. At the time, his comments were interpreted as a jibe at outgoing boss David Moyes. However, on reflection, they appear to be the words of a player eager to play in his preferred position.
Kudus said: “I’m looking forward to playing under the new boss. I think he’s a trainer who knows how to coach right wingers.”
This telling observation went largely unnoticed during a period when West Ham were busily signing new players. Unfortunately for Kudus, the coaching he had anticipated never materialised. The Ghanaian was often deployed on the left wing—a position ill-suited to his attributes, effectively nullifying the threat of his explosive left-footed shooting. Opposition managers must have been delighted with this misuse of his talent.
So, it was heartening, to hear Potter address Kudus’ positioning so decisively after taking the reins at West Ham. Following the disappointing yet encouraging 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Potter said:
“I was encouraged. Kudus played more centrally than he has done for a bit. He quite likes that central role to the right. He comes in on that left foot, and he’s a threat. He offers us a good option, absolutely.”
It all sounds so simple and offers a clear insight into just how far Lopetegui had been getting things wrong. While an FA Cup exit is far from ideal, I believe we’re about to see a version of Mohammed Kudus that more closely resembles the star we saw last season
What a relief that Lopetegui has been sent packing! Quite incredible how much damage he did in half a season!
I liked Graham Potter’s comments after the badly weakened West Ham team lost to Aston Villa in the FA Cup game ……. he seems to be a positive sort of character.
Now, if he can bring some positivity to West Ham in the reast of the season …. what is he going to do about no genuine strikers other than Danny Ings? Rashford on loan would seem to be a goer in the circumstances …
Tim
Not hard when Bowen is out is it.
Against Aston Villa it looked to me like Summerville played on the right wing and Kudus played centre midfield.
And when Summerville went off he brought on Coufal on the right wing but Coufal spent more time doubling up at right back with wan bissaker.
Is he talking about the right side of central midfield or on the right wing?
Hope this is not a cop out for buying a young pacy striker (you’ll never be forgiven).
Looks like Potter’s choice of a box to box midfielder has been decided, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall.
That just leaves a c/bk and striker.
Apparently Aguerd is not an option as he can’t be recalled unless both parties agree, unlikely.
Come on Potter prove disbelievers wrong go and get Jonathan David.
Time is ticking, don’t miss out by stalling.
Looks like Moyes is going over old ground hoping to sign Yuri Alberto for Everton (or Ferguson).
Was Lopetegui paid to f++k up Westham ? He got everything wrong . My cat could coach a team better .
So where does Jarrod Bowen misfit in when he makes his return from injury? That central role to the right, threatening with that left foot, is what makes Jarrod so valuable.
“Kudus played more centrally than he has done for a bit. He quite likes that central role to the right.”
Was answered in the quote from Potter. The whole thing with Potter is he likes formations/roles where players can switch up or offer support/cover for others. Kudus more central with Bowen on the right. Implication is obviously that each can switch. If Bowen cuts inside, Kudus goes out wide or vice-versa.