West Ham v Bournemouth preview
West Ham coach Graham Potter is fully aware of the criticism and pressure he’s immediately come under since joining the Hammers in January.
That said, I do wonder if the West Ham job is slightly bigger than he thought it would be — particularly in terms of the media spotlight now firmly fixed on him.
Undoubtedly, Potter would have expected increased scrutiny following his move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea. But whether he completely understood what he was getting into by taking the Hammers hot seat… I’m not so sure.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve been lucky enough to interview former West Ham players, managers, coaches and everything in between. And the one thing they all have in common? A story about joining the club and then discovering just how big and well-supported it really is.
As Dean Ashton once told me, “I had no idea how big the club was before joining. West Ham fans are everywhere — but you never really appreciate that until you join.”
And it’s not just the fans. There’s a disproportionate number of Hammers supporters in the media too — particularly in the written press.
So I do wonder if Potter was at all surprised to see Sky Sports run two separate features on his team’s goalscoring woes. It certainly wasn’t something he could have missed, as the presenter pointed to some rather embarrassing graphics on a 10ft screen in the studio.
The truth is, nothing goes under the radar at West Ham. And over the past week, Potter has seemed spiky and defensive.
Potter has struggled to get West Ham’s attack firing
Defensive Potter goes on the attack
Yesterday, the Irons boss said: “You can’t play for West Ham and throw games away! It’s impossible.”
It was a clear swipe at whichever players he believes aren’t up to the job — and not something we often see managers do. It takes a brave man to call out his squad publicly, and Potter didn’t pull any punches.
But he looked like a man under scrutiny — and particularly defensive about his, well… defending. The Hammers gaffer was keen to stress that the backline needed sorting, and he’s absolutely right.
But make no mistake, Potter also knows more attacking intent is needed. A man of his intelligence will understand he can’t limp through the remainder of the season with a blunt front line.
I’m not expecting all guns blazing today, but Potter looks wounded — and I expect a response.
As painful as this season has been, we must remember, this is West Ham. I’ve been supporting the Hammers for over 50 years and we have always been up and down. Being a fan is in the blood, through the good and bad times, we still turn up. Can I encourage everyone to renew early as this will give us the best chance in the transfer market. Roll on next season, but enjoy the here and mow.
Most west ham supporters have turned off for this season.
No expectations at any games, quite a few have nickname d us Apathy utd.
How many are really looking forward to going today apart from a few beers in the sun somewhere with your mates!
Season is done with, thankfully Lopetegui got enough points on the board and there a three worse than us ( just).
Agree with Paul, squad was inherited and we have too many sub-standard players.
I’m not getting on Potter’s back until next season, then will judge him.
On size of the club, I remember Fat Sam after only being in the job a few weeks saying to the media “West Ham should be bigger than Liverpool”.
It can happen that a manager transforms a team of players that really aren’t at the level required but it’s pretty rare.
The midfield is slow and not creative or defensive. Rodriguez, Soler, JWP and maybe Soucek aren’t good enough along with Mavropanos and Cresswell, Ings, Antonio.
He’s been unlucky with Fullkrug, Summerville and Tobido injuries. Then Pacqueta, Kudus and Ferguson are shadows of themselves maybe we might of hoped he would of got a grip of these three.
All round he’s stuck with a poor squad and next season is the only time to judge him.
This is where the players themselves come in and support the manager. The players should be able to realise that they are underperforming and therefore get themselves truly focused on playing and concentrating the best they can to get themselves to the level required to win a game.