Potter is under real pressureplaceholder image
Potter is under real pressure | AFP via Getty Images
West Ham could be facing a big decision this weekend amid a poor start to the season.
West Ham boss Graham Potter could be walking a fine line as he heads into the fifth week of Premier League football. Potter struggled to get his side going after taking over in January of last season, and things have not improved this term.
The Hammers have lost four of their first five games across all competitions, conceding 11 goals in four Premier League games, which is a touch under three goals per game on average. Potter has now had a summer window, as promised, and there are no signs of things getting better.
Pressure is building quickly on Potter, and this weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace, who are unbeaten across all competitions so far, could be vital when it comes to owner David Sullivan making a decision. HammersNews have reported: “We know he has Saturday’s game. I am told Sullivan is very concerned by the fans’ reaction at the moment. It is more toxic than he ever had under David Moyes and Lopetegui. Defeat and that’s it for Potter. But I am told it won’t be a rollercoaster like both the previous managers, saving themselves with the odd win.”
The Hammers certainly have a big decision to make over the coming weeks if things do not improve, and Potter will know that his position is not secure given the results he has overseen since January.
Potter’s possible replacement
Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has emerged as a possible appointment should Potter depart. Bilic was in charge of the Hammers, who he also represented as a player, between 2015 and 2017, ultimately leaving with the best pointes per game for any West Ham manager up to that point.
The Boot Room are reporting that Bilic is ready to return to English football after a spell in Saudi Arabia, and he could be considered by West Ham given he did well with the Iron previously. Jose Mourinho is now off the table, but Nuno Espirito Santo, Sean Dyche and Gary O’Neill have been mentioned as potential options.
It seems a defensive-minded manager is a likely appointment, which would add up given how poor this team has been defensively at this point. Defensive appointments are also a safer bet when it comes to a mid-season appointment, with more expansive managers also needing more time to enact their style of play, also usually requiring more squad changes.
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