West Ham United have introduced Graham Potter as their new coach following the departure of Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, just six months after joining the club as David Moyes’ replacement following just seven wins in 22 games in all competitions.
The decision to part ways with Lopetegui was officially confirmed after an agreement was reached with Potter, whose arrival at West Ham has now been officially announced.
“I’m happy to be here,” said Potter upon signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. “It was important to me that I waited until I found a job that I felt was a good fit for me and also a good fit for the club I was joining. That’s the feeling I have at West Ham United.”
“My discussions with the chairman and the board were very positive and constructive. We share the same values: hard work and high energy to build the solid foundations that can lead to success, and we are on the same page about what is needed in the short term and then how we do it want to advance the club in the medium to long term.
“West Ham United is a huge club in the heart of London with a huge fan base and great support around the world. I saw the scenes after their victory in the Europa Conference League in 2023 and it was clear that this is a club. Everything is there to be consistently successful on and off the pitch.
“The club has made a lot of good progress in recent years and has ensured there is a very strong foundation to build on. You don’t win a European Cup by chance – for that a football club has to have a good foundation.” This is possible and the challenge now is to accept this and take the next steps to develop a team and a club that can the fans can be proud.”
Potter, returning to management for the first time since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, will take charge of his first game on Friday when West Ham travel to Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup.