Never dull now, these West Ham press conferences. Compared to the incomprehensible, heavily accented cautious words of Lopetegui, Potter’s sentences spring forth like some Claret and Blue fountain. Which is a big relief to those of us that have to watch, digest and report, I can tell you.
However it doesn’t mean everything is plain sailing for West Ham’s manager and sometimes, as yesterday afternoon, his sentences don’t tally, perhaps as his effusive words are not so well considered as those of his predecessor
Such were the comments regarding Aaron wan Bissaka. Don’t get me wrong, being updated on Wan Bissau’s injury and the treatment – he’s having toe injections apparently – is good information to be able to pass on to interested Hammers fans.
The worry of course with injections is that they are quick fixes and don’t solve underlying issues: Thankfully there are only six games left of the season and West Ham are not in a critical position within the league: Win tomorrow against Southampton and the Hammers can complete the mental switch-off ahead of the end of season – they’ll advance to an inglorious 38 points with Ipswich 14 points- if not more -behind and just five games to go: Almost, if not mathematically impossible for the Tractor Boys to catch up.
However, Wan Bissaka’s s injury highlights the shortage of cover at West Ham and belies Potter’s claim that ‘no squad rebuild’ is needed in the Summer. In Potter’s own words:”“I wouldn’t say we need a major rebuild.”
Sorry?
The only other right back is out of contract and away come June: Wan-Bissaka also covers for left back when Scarles is substituted meaning AWB is covering both sides of the pitch.
Four more players are out of contract, Two on-loan players are set to return to their parent clubs and Guido Rodriguez has been deemed not fit for purpose: Seven leaving minimum from an already small squad: Factor in the likely sale of either Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus then that is eight. If that doesn’t constitute a rebuild, I don’t know what does.
lol and he’s made a statement asking fans to renew their season tickets ! Roll up, roll up, to see us get stuffed every week and head down to the Championship ! 😁
This site is making a proper big deal about Potter saying the squad doesn’t need a rebuild. I suppose you need something to write about…hence the random articles about Flynn Downes being sold a year ago.
Go on I’ll play along. Why would you expect Potter to say anything different at this stage? It’s the same reason Sullivan pleads poverty before every window. Not great for the negotiating position if you announce to the world you’re desperate to shift everyone and will need to bring in half a squad’s worth of players.
Also not great messaging for the existing squad who still have 6 games to play.
Privately I’m sure him and his team knows there’s work to be done in the summer.
Very well said and totally agree.
You would think that with the experience Martin has he would have worked that out for himself by now, but obviously not, maybe he is just writing for writing sake, again!
Saved me writing a drunk essay of three tonight.
Well said Alan
Spot on Alan..
I thought exactly the same.