It’s 26th February 2023, Graham Potter has overseen just one win in eleven competitions, Chelsea supporters are already voicing their frustration after recent defeats to Southampton and London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the pressure the board publicly back the English manager.
Fast forward two years and three months and the same questions are being asked. The answers, too, feel all too familiar. Chelsea were once dubbed a club in transition, yet they boasted a wealth of talent. West Ham, by comparison do have 13 internationals in their squad, and the ninth highest wage bill in the league, which belies their current PL position.
Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was frozen out by Potter during his time at Chelsea. Now at West Ham, German international Niclas Fullkrug and Republic of Ireland international Evan Ferguson find themselves in a similar situation, rarely featuring in his starting lineup.
The Chelsea fans once suggested that trimming the squad would aid Potter to implement his preferred style – an argument echoed by West Ham fans.
But while Chelsea’s squad was undeniably more bloated, it’s difficult to understand why Potter still struggles to currently field a consistent starting eleven that fits his philosophy. On and off the pitch things look disjointed.
Even more concerning is Potter’s public assertion that the West Ham squad is “too big” a puzzling comment given how it compares to other Premier League teams. At Chelsea, his constant rotation hinted at desperation – a manager in search of a quick solution, rather than building a stable core. Stability, defined roles and clear tactical direction are often the foundation of success – yet this remains elusive under Potter.
Graham Potter
Potter’s statistics show worrying parallels
He recently remarked “If you can’t change people, change people” – a statement that now suggests a failure to shift mindsets and instill the right culture.
Potters record at Chelsea was a dismal average of 1.42 points per game, in all competitions, the worst record for a Chelsea manager over the course of the past ten years at the club. The data is even worse if just run for Premier League games, 1.27 points per game. Unfortunately, things have only deteriorated at West Ham, where he averages just 1 point per game.
The most damning statistic of all is the lack of goals. At Chelsea, Potters side scored just 33 goals and conceded 31 in all competitions. At West Ham the numbers are similarly bleak: 19 goals scored and conceded 21 in the Premier League.
It will be an interesting summer transfer window for West Ham. Whether Graham Potter is the right fit, remains uncertain. However, the form guide doesn’t make for pleasant reading and as things stand, it shows critical Hammers’ fans are right to worry.