Graham Potter says it “feels a bit like Christmas” after being appointed as West Ham's new head coach.
The former Chelsea boss was officially announced as Julen Lopetegui's successor on Thursday after widespread reports that he was the favorite for the job following the Spaniard's sacking on Wednesday.
He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers, who are struggling in the Premier League and sit in 14th place, having managed just 23 points from 20 games so far this season.
West Ham were originally tipped to join the race for European football under Lopetegui but fell short. Potter is now excited about the challenge ahead.
“It is a proud day to be head coach of this great club, with a great tradition, a great history, great expectations and a great challenge,” said Potter.
“I'm really excited, it's a bit like Christmas. Christmas for the adults, not the best night's sleep last night, but just the excitement. I'm really looking forward to meeting the players, meeting the supporters and just getting to know the to get going.”
“It has been twenty months, twenty months of good rest. During that time you speak to a lot of people. Many conversations with different owners, different directors. But it was important that I chose the right option for me at the right time. As soon as I met this club, it just felt right to me.
“It's a great club with a hugely loyal fan base who are passionate, knowledgeable, know the football and know what they want.”
Potter puts pen to paper pic.twitter.com/By1RZrPOqb
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 9, 2025
It is Potter's first managerial role since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after just seven months in charge.
The 49-year-old won just 12 of his 31 games at the club (38.7% win rate), having previously guided Brighton to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League in his last full season at the club.
Asked if he had anything to prove after his short time at Chelsea, Potter added: “From what I hear [Pep] Guardiola says he has something to prove, then we all do.
“In professional sports you have something to prove every day, it drives you forward.
“I'm comfortable with who I am, what I've done and it's clear that no one is perfect. Life is about taking the successes and accepting the setbacks and defeats.
“I think I'm a better person and a better coach for the experience.”
Potter's first game in charge of West Ham is against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday.
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