Graham Potter hints West Ham are using Man City blueprint with Lukasz Fabianski
West Ham could learn from Manchester City after the return of Lukasz Fabianski.
Fabianski left West Ham at the end of his contract last season as the London Stadium faithful slammed the decision to part ways with the keeper.
The Hammers have since gone back on this decision after Wes Foderingham completed a surprise move to Aris Limassol.
This saw West Ham move to bring Fabianski back to become the new third-choice keeper option in East London for the rest of the campaign.
With the ex-Poland international back in E20, Graham Potter has spoken out, pointing towards the potential replication of Manchester City’s success.
Graham Potter explains why West Ham signed Lukasz Fabianski
There is no getting away from how well-liked Fabianski is among the claret and blue faithful.
This saw many West Ham fans fume when Fabianski left last summer, especially in favour of utilising Foderingham as a squad option.
Now, with the former Sheffield United man gone, it has opened the door for the 40-year-old to return, much to the delight of supporters and Potter.
The English head coach spoke out via West Ham’s official website on 10 September to share his delight at having the shot stopper back in his squad.
He said: “We are really pleased to have Łukasz back with the group. Regardless of him being here previously, the main factor is that he is still a top goalkeeper and a top professional, and the perfect choice for the role we needed to fill.
“It’s a signing that makes perfect sense for everyone. Łukasz knows the Club extremely well, is very well respected and popular among everyone here.
“His personality and character will be a great example, especially to our younger players, and he is someone who really cares about West Ham United and wants to help us in any way he can. We are very happy to have him back with us.”
Lukasz Fabianski will play the Scott Carson role at West Ham
Even with a squad like Manchester City that has seen and won it all over the years, they needed someone like Scott Carson to keep them together.
The former England international only ever made two appearances under Pep Guardiola, but had a hugely positive impact over his six years at the Etihad.
As a result, it would make total sense for Potter and the Irons to replicate that sort of role for Fabianski moving forward.
Scott Carson honours list at Manchester City:
- Premier League (4): 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24
- Champions League (1): 2022/23
- FA Cup (1): 2022/23
- Carabao Cup (2): 2019/20, 2020/21
- Club World Cup (1): 2023
- Super Cup (1): 2023/24
This sort of sentiment has been echoed by the Pole in his first interview with the Hammers after confirming his return at the London Stadium.
He said: “I’m really, really, really happy to be back because this Club obviously means a lot for me and the people at this Club as well. Seeing them again, it felt nice and beautiful.
“I’ve always been, and I will be for sure, a player who is always putting the team above my personal goals. I think then maybe people see me as a good person to be around, a good person to have in the team in terms of what I bring, and so it’s not only about me, it’s about the team.
“I’m here to support, to keep the standards high. I have huge experience as well, so I think it can be useful. For sure, I’ll continue to work the way I’ve always been doing, which is always hopefully at a good level, but, at the same time, I understand that my role is completely different.”
This could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business that Potter and Co. could have done this summer in terms of boosting the morale of the squad.
Arguably, they should never have let the 40-year-old leave, but now it looks as if they have quickly learnt from their mistake.
Now, the hope will be that Fabianski can represent the Hammers’ own version of Carson after a mostly frustrating opening to the season.
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