West Ham players were said to be shocked and stunned as the chain of events surrounding Graham Potter’s sacking unfolded yesterday morning.
The Hammers squad were reportedly unaware that Nuno Espirito Santo had already been appointed as Potter’s replacement, even after it became clear that the former Brighton boss had been dismissed.
Further details of the sensational events have been reported by The Athletic, which described the confusion at Rush Green.
West Ham players were surprised to see Nuno arrive at West Ham yesterday
West Ham’s players sensed something was wrong during Saturday’s morning meeting. Training had been scheduled for 9.30am, yet a zombified Potter drifted in and out of the room, leaving the squad puzzled.
Moments later, the truth emerged – the 50-year-old had been sacked. He informed the players directly, said his farewells, and departed, leaving many stunned at the timing, just days before Everton away.
Club secretary Andrew Pincher quickly stepped in to reassure the squad that a new coach would lead a 12.30pm session although Nuno’s identity was not revealed. It marked a dramatic end to Potter’s short and turbulent reign.
Squad split support for Potter
As Claret & Hugh reported yesterday in our mutiny, some players were relieved by the decision – notably Jean-Clair Todibo and Niclas Füllkrug, and Luis Guilherme all of whom had a poor relationship with the outgoing manager.
This morning The Athletic confirmed that Todibo had recently been summoned to Potter’s office and told to “improve,” a sign of the growing tension behind the scenes.
As we suggested yesterday, the squad had become split over Potter. One of Nuno Espirito Santo’s first tasks will be to restore morale—a factor that clearly played a role in Potter’s hurried dismissal.
Potter had run out of ideas and needed to go, it looks like he was trying to engineer it and succeeded it was only a matter of when, hopefully this shocks the team into a performance it will be an interesting game to watch.
I’m sure things can be handled differently but after 5 games in and being sacked, it was always going to be a bit shocking.
I think they had to it as quickly as possible, removing Potter I mean. For the club, the team and for his own good too. He looked bewildered and running out of strength; out on the touchline it was too painful to watch at times.
Maybe he was completely committed to a system of play, so much so that he sacrificed success, as well as certain players (who might be impressing in training for example – so they feel overlooked). Only focusing on how well players are fitting into such and such a system, to the point you ignore more pressing issues. Just a theory otherwise I’m a bit puzzled as to how. Not for the first time though!
Who would have Graham potter as manager? He did nothing with Chelsea, in spite of an abundance of talent, and continued same at WHU. As for our players, the difficulty unloading them is a clear signal – you aren’t good enough.
It cannot have been a surprise to anyone that Potter got the heave ho, it was only a matter of when.
I think the timing was likely due to the timing of Nuno’s severance from Forest, every impression is that suddenly completed fired the starting gun.
I’m happy that it was sooner rather than later as that gives Nuno more time, that there are those not upset to see Potter go is another potential bonus in the situation.
Bring on Everton which at least now should be interesting.
So he has gone.Now the problems really begin.Potter didn’t sign many of the defenders who can’t defend,midfielders who can’t run and a collection of unfit strikers.Nothing will change at West Ham until there is a massive change in ownership.Regrettably there doesn’t appear to any change there.
Just very pleased that the clueless Potter has gone. I was dreading the game against Everton with him in charge , now I can’t wait for the game, in anticipation Nuno can instil belief and positivity in the players
The squad members who are shocked probably include JWP, and some other players who while Potter was there got away with it, they won’t now.
Again, although Potter had to go and I don’t know the exact circumstances, the club seem to lack class when sacking a manager, as with Loopy and managers before.
There again, what do you expect with a club run by Sullivan’s and Brady.
Well well well. looks like our protest hit the mark then. but i cant help but feel very sorry for Graham Potter, and the way we went about things.in my opinion we should of kept the fact that Nuno Espirito Santo had been brought in to take over from Potter. but saying that, they more than likely done it that quick to keep us supporters happier than it’s obvious we are. but lets face it Nuno’s ”NOT-GOD” what i’m saying is, don’t expect us to win against Everton or even Arsenal. but wouldn’t that be fantastic guys lol. and i hope the powers 2 be are sorting out sum funds 4 us 2 spend in the January window. i reckon 60 million or so will do. C O Y I’s and C O Y Nuno.
No way to treat the manager or the players is it. The timing stinks.