Graham Potter’s tenure as West Ham United’s head coach has prompted a detailed examination of his strategies and results, especially when compared to his predecessor, Julen Lopetegui. Since taking control, Potter has made sweeping changes to the team’s identity and approach with varied success. First, he focuses on hardening the defense. Simultaneously, he looks for the ideal mix of strong defense and great offense.
Potter’s initial step as head coach was to make West Ham a tougher team to break down. Part of this change included a tactical switch to a back five formation – leading to a massive improvement in goals conceded. And since Potter came on board, they’ve averaged just 0.9 ga/match against. That’s a pretty marked improvement over the 1.5 goals allowed playing through Lopetegui’s back four setup.
For all these defensive advances, Potter’s record on the whole is inarguably checkered. His tenure has been far from successful though, as he’s managed just three wins in 14 matches, equating to a 21 percent win rate. For further context, Lopetegui won six of his 20 other matches, Loko enjoying a higher win percentage of 30 percent. Furthermore, the offensive output has dipped slightly under Potter’s management, with his team scoring an average of just 1.09 goals per game, in contrast to Lopetegui’s 1.2 goals per game.
Those facts suggest that West Ham should be doing much better than they actually are in the Premier League table. This enhancement would have very likely occurred had they retained Potter’s points per game ratio. Instead, they would still be sitting pretty right now in 14th, putting themselves ahead of such illustrious dwindlists as Everton, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The team’s recent run of high performance suggests a drastic overhaul in defensive concentration and composure. Since Potter’s arrival, West Ham have been much more solid defensively. They’ve escaped giving up three-plus goals in their last half dozen matches, a far cry from Lopetegui’s tenure, where they were beaten three or more times in nine of 20 Premier League contests.
And the transformation hasn’t escaped the attention of the players or fans. VfL Bochum striker Niclas Fullkrug has become the most resounding success story in that time. He’s already netted three goals and turned heads with his blunt honesty in post match interviews. His colorful candor has won him the admiration of many supporters and endeared him to fans that consider him a cult hero.
Potter admitted to the daunting nature of his assignment during a recent media call. He stated, “There are lots of positives, but no one wants to hear positives. Doesn’t matter. [I’m] sick of talking about positives.” And it really showed him. His aggravation was palpable when he followed up just by adding, “that’s all” when answering questions about his team’s lack of effort.
Despite everything stacked against him, Potter is still intent on striking a balance between defending and scoring. He understands that while improvements in defensive metrics are promising, they must be complemented by effective attacking strategies to achieve desired results.
The mood around the club has been toxic, with supporters booing the team and calling for his head during home games. One chant that resonated among supporters read, “You’re nothing special, we lose every week.” This sentiment is a local manifestation of the frustrations coming from the recent inexcusable performances on the field by this team.
Despite the growing storm clouds, Potter refuses to be fatalistic. Of course, he gets that fans are entitled to their opinions and frustrations. Despite all of this, he is committed to sticking it out during this rough patch.
“They’re entitled to sing whatever they want. That’s it.” – Graham Potter
As Potter bides his time adjusting to the demands of West Ham United, the questions will continue to follow him. Each of the next matches takes on added significance. As the season unfolds they will shed light on whether his methods can produce regular success and restore the club’s competitive swagger.
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