**Graham Potter wants a new goalkeeping coach with Xavi Valero expected to leave the club, its been reported by ExWHUEmployee.**
Despite Xavi having been at the club for 7 years and regarded as popular behind the scenes, Potter is eager to bring in his own man for the role, as the club continues to re-shape ahead of what is regarded as a crucial summer and highly pressured season for the former Brighton boss.
“Graham Potter is looking to add some additional staff to his backroom group going into the season,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon. “One person whose place at the club is under threat, is that of goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero with a departure at the end of the season expected.
“The Spaniard has been at the club since being appointed by Manuel Pellegrini in 2018 and has been the goalkeeping coach throughout David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter’s spells in charge, whereas most other staff have moved on when a manager has been changed.
“Xavi is a popular figure around the place and had seen his responsibilities increased over time and was also heavily involved in the recruitment of the goalkeepers too, as well as coaching them.
“It is thought that Potter would like to bring in his own man now. Who this man is, is not yet known, although someone who worked closely with Potter and Kyle Macauley (Head of Recruitment at the club) at both Chelsea and Brighton was Ben Roberts. It is thought that Potter would like to work with him again.
“Xavi is highly regarding in coaching circles, but it can be argued that the keepers in recent years have been fairly inconsistent so a change could be needed – especially now with Fabianski leaving the club.
“It is thought that the club could be looking to sign another keeper to challenge Areola next season and this could be part of a new keeping member of staff’s remit.”