The previous few weeks have been stuffed with twists and turns within the Premier League, with one of the vital notable modifications happening on the London Stadium as West Ham United determined to half methods with Julen Lopetegui. Simply days later, former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter was named as his alternative, bringing his 21-month spell away from administration to an finish.
The 49-year-old has signed a deal at West Ham till June 2027, however some have seen the transfer as an enormous danger for the Hammers, who presently sit seven factors away from the relegation zone however with an enormous harm record.
Former Liverpool, Leicester Metropolis and Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey spoke solely to EPL Index, and gave his ideas on the appointment…
Premier League Confirmed
“We all know what he’s able to,” started Heskey, “And he has carried out nicely within the Premier League earlier than.” It might be straightforward to recollect the unhealthy occasions, principally at Everton, nevertheless it can’t be forgotten simply how good Potter was at Brighton.
He had took over from Chris Hughton, who had executed an excellent job at Brighton himself, however ended up taking the membership to an entire new degree and guiding them to a ninth place end within the Premier League.
Potter appeared more likely to construct on that success within the 2022/23 season, the place he had Brighton sitting 4th within the Premier League earlier than being appointed as Chelsea head coach. Nonetheless, that is the place the issues started.
Potter’s Chelsea Struggles
“He was in every single place at Chelsea,” continued Heskey, “However that wasn’t his fault. It was extra the membership’s and he was destined to fail in that job.” It’s laborious to argue with Heskey’s observations, with Todd Boehly’s takeover sending the membership into absolute chaos and too many gamers to even match within the dressing room!
His stint at Chelsea was nonetheless a large number however, profitable simply 7 of his 22 Premier League video games on the membership and being shortly changed by Mauricio Pochettino.
“The West Ham Approach”
“Individuals love to speak in regards to the ‘West Ham Approach’,” mentioned Heskey, “He’s extra more likely to get that out of them, for positive.” Potter has all the time obtained reward for his fashion of play and his means as a coach above all, and this proficient West Ham facet have had all of their creativity taken off them for a lot too lengthy now.
The likes of Jarred Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta all deserve the prospect to essentially showcase their abilities beneath a coach that may allow them to specific themselves, which Potter will do.
West Ham followers ought to undoubtedly be excited by Potter’s arrival, particularly contemplating their criticisms of Lopetegui and David Moyes’ ways. It additionally marks an enormous alternative for Potter to get his profession again on monitor, having beforehand been linked with jobs like Manchester United and the England Nationwide Staff.