Graham Potter ‘pressure’ talk debated as danger looms of West Ham restlessness
West Ham United fans are twiddling their thumbs at this stage, waiting for the season to end so they can give things another go next term.
The campaign has been something of a write-off for months now, a massive anti-climax to the summer they were executing – as a now-departed Tim Steidten threw money around in the global transfer market like it was going out of fashion.
Julen Lopetegui was viewed by sceptics as a sidewards move from the successful David Moyes, now having drastically improved an Everton outfit who have sat alongside the Hammers in the Premier League with regularity.
Since January, Lopetegui has been history at the London Stadium – lasting just 22 games – and Graham Potter finally accepted one of his many managerial offers since leaving Chelsea, moving to the other side of the capital to undertake the project.
Potter could face pressure if West Ham start 2025-26 poorly
Potter evidently saw a glint in the eye of David Sullivan when offered the chance to replace Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
The danger was always present and the likelihood high that the Hammers boss would be steering his squad through a huge chunk of the season which would end with apathy, with nothing left to play for and survival long secured.
The motivation among the fans and players is for next season, and this gives Potter and his staff ample time to prepare alongside the hierarchy.
Potter’s litmus test will come in the opening weeks of the new Premier League campaign, and how his side fare in their first few fixtures.
TV commentator Ian Darke has denied Potter will be instantly in doubt over his job if matters do not start as anticipated, but that supporters will quickly become “restless” and the criticism will be loud.
“Like anything, there will always be some criticism,” Darke exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“If West Ham start next season anything like they did this season with Lopetegui – all a bit hit-and-miss and off the boil – then fans will get restless. If performances and results don’t meet anywhere near expectation levels, fans will speak out.
“I think West Ham will give Potter a really good go at this, though, so any talk of him coming under pressure is very premature.”
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West Ham supporters certainly want to be competing at the level their recent financial investment has suggested.
The Irons have made some seriously bold moves not just in the transfer market but around key positions at the London Stadium, too.
| Graham Potter | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win percentage |
| West Ham United | 12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 25% |
Potter knows the pressure begins from the first kick of next season, but if any of his players are worth their salt, they will have been attempting to impress him since his January arrival.
Next season is when things get interesting, and the Hammers players will want to be part of ‘Project Potter’ in its full hard launch.