West Ham boss Graham Potter apologised to fans following Monday night’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, but his comments may have missed the mark.
Speaking post-match, Potter said: “I apologise if things aren’t happening quicker than we want them to, but I think when you see the players give everything, the commitment is there.”
While supporters understand that Potter has inherited a mess and that rebuilding takes time, his response felt overly sensitive. Instead of addressing concerns over his tactics, he framed criticism of the performance as a questioning of his players’ commitment—a misinterpretation that was unnecessary.
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Few, if any, have doubted the players’ work rate. The real issue is the manager’s cautious approach. West Ham fans know the defence needs fixing, and we are prepared to be patient. However, with no relegation threat, Potter has the freedom to start implementing his playing style now.
No one expects an instant transformation, but some glimpse of progress would be welcome. Right now, the Hammers look painfully passive, fielding just two attackers and relying on a hoofing goalkeeper who can’t kick accurately.
It’s clear Potter has a long-term plan, but why not begin embedding it? His reaction to criticism felt a bit touchy when, in reality, he should be addressing the real concerns: tactical imbalance and a lack of attacking intent.
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Potter was never going to get Alvarez to unpick a defence
Nobody is questioning Edson Álvarez’s commitment—he worked tirelessly. The problem was deploying him as an attacking midfielder. Likewise, Tomáš Souček ran himself into the ground, but completing just EIGHT successful passes in the game is unacceptable.
West Ham fans aren’t expecting miracles, but we do want signs of progression. Instead, after eight games under Potter, West Ham statistically attack less than any other team in the Premier League.
Potter’s job is safe, but he needs to stop worrying about imaginary accusations and start focusing on fixing the real problems. Fans aren’t asking for much—just a team that looks like it wants to play football.