Pardew shares what he’d tell Potter to his face after what he’s seen at West Ham
Alan Pardew has slammed one aspect of Graham Potter since taking over from Julen Lopetegui as West Ham United manager.
The English manager has struggled to bring the best out of his squad and hasn’t been able to implement changes that fans expected after the Spanish boss’ sacking.
Tottenham drew 1-1 at the London Stadium on Sunday (4 May), with the Irons rooted in 17th position.
Potter’s team’s Premier League prospects this season look bleak, raising concerns around his future at the East London outfit, with an aspect of his management being called out.
Potter unable to manage media well at West Ham
Potter’s management of the media at the Hammers hasn’t been the best since being appointed manager, Pardew says.
The former Irons boss hasn’t been pleased with how the Englishman has handled the media, something he would tell the 49-year-old head coach to his face.
| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Premier League | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 |
Pardew has backed the former Chelsea boss, though, praising his ideas and man-management skills, despite the recent struggles.
Speaking on talkSPORT (4 May, 19:12), the ex-Crystal Palace and Newcastle United boss said: “I think Potter and his whole ethos and what he’s about is good. His management of players, I think, is probably something is good at. I don’t know if his management of the media is great. And I would say that to him. He’s a friend. I’ve worked with him and would say that to his face.”
London Stadium faithful want results from Potter
Potter already seems to be on thin ice at the London Stadium after a poor start to his managerial stint in East London.
It isn’t surprising to see fans wondering whether the former Brighton head coach is fit for purpose at the Hammers as they sit towards the bottom of the league table.
While the English manager isn’t to blame for how most of the season has gone, he has to take responsibility for the results in recent months.
Julen Lopetegui damaged West Ham’s hopes of making some progress this season, but Potter hasn’t encouraged many either.
David Sullivan will rightly wonder whether the English head coach is the right person to lead the Irons in the upcoming campaign.
The fans won’t tolerate another mediocre season, which will put pressure on the former Chelsea boss and the hierarchy.
If things don’t change, the 49-year-old head coach will surely get sacked, leaving more questions for the boardroom to answer.
The East London outfit’s hierarchy need to make the right call regarding Potter this summer and back him with transfers if he stays.