Aaron Wan-Bissaka makes Julen Lopetegui dig in West Ham admission
Julen Lopetegui’s sacking at West Ham felt long overdue before Graham Potter took charge.
The former boss spent plenty of money in the summer transfer window ahead of his first campaign with the Hammers, but that was not reflected on the pitch.
Potter has steadied the ship since his arrival in East London, taking the Irons 17 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka makes West Ham managerial admission
Potter hasn’t had the easiest of circumstances to contend with during his first few months at The London Stadium.
Due to the amount spent by his predecessor, the 49-year-old was limited in the business he could pull off during the winter transfer window.
Evan Ferguson was signed, but he has struggled to get going in a claret and blue shirt so far.
Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug’s injuries have left the boss light for options up front and he will certainly look to rectify these issues at the end of the current campaign.
One man who has been shining since the arrival of a new boss, though, is Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Speaking to West Ham about Potter, Wan-Bissaka said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute.
“I think every manager is different. You’re not going to have one that’s the same. Everyone has their way of coaching and managing, but I’ve enjoyed it, and so has the team as a whole. You can see everyone’s happy and enjoying the work that we’ve done.
“I think we’re going to get better, and anything is possible with this team. He has put me at right wing-back, which means I’m competing at both ends of the pitch. Obviously, the number one priority is our own box, as I’m a defender, but I’ve enjoyed expressing myself and being me.
“It’s really boosted my confidence, and I’m really relishing it at the moment and enjoying it.”
Potter to give West Ham fresh start next season
After David Moyes’ exit from The London Stadium, it was hoped that Lopetegui would be the start of a new era with West Ham that would see them continue to push on.
However, the Spaniard’s tenure left the Hammers in a sticky position, and Potter’s aims when he came in were far from what they were at the start of the season.
Wan-Bissaka is making no effort to cover up the fact that he clearly didn’t enjoy working under Lopetegui, and that in itself, probably explains why it wasn’t going to plan as the boss didn’t have the players onside.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 28 | 2 | 2 |
Under his new manager, the right-back has looked consistently impressive for West Ham, and you would only expect that to be built on as his side aims higher next term.
There is plenty of work to be done over the summer transfer window and David Sullivan will have to back his new appointment.
It is clear though that the morale has been lifted at West Ham and that has to stand Potter in good stead for a more successful 2025/26 season.