by Staff Writer
Monday, 4th August 2025
Graham Potter praised the cohesion of his first team squad in the wake of back-to-back wins against Everton and AFC Bournemouth.
The Hammers enjoyed a reasonably successful Summer Series campaign with the narrow defeat against Manchester United in the opening game of the tournament the only blot on the copybook.
And Potter, reflecting on the three-match series was reasonably content with the performances both individual and collective.
"It’s always nice to win," he said, shortly after the final whistle ended in West Ham's 2-0 win over the Cherries. "Regardless of the result, we've had a really positive few weeks. Two weeks here in the US, a week in Germany and some time at Rush Green before that.
"The team is really connected and there’s a lot of togetherness in the group. We’re really happy with the environment and really happy with the culture at the moment. This trip has allowed us to take a step forward in terms of the tactical perspective.
"We’ve had good exposure to the sort of challenges we’re going to face throughout the season, including during the games. Training's been good with the players, so I think we’ve taken a step forward. I think we’re more connected and together, which is really good."
And reflecting on the result, which guaranteed United a top-two finish in the mini-tournament, Potter admitted that while his team were somewhat fortuitous to not concede early on when Bournemouth enjoyed their only purple patch of the game it was a deserved win overall.
"I think we rode our luck a little bit, but at the same time we scored some goals and got better in the second half," he concluded. "There’s lots to be positive about. [Man of the Match] Malick [Diouf) was positive in terms of his deliveries, and his crosses were really good. So there are lots of positives, but there are always things we can improve.
"Our forwards scored and our defenders kept a clean sheet, which is obviously really good ahead of the new season."
And consequently Potter believes the last two results have given his players every reason to believe they are set to enjoy a successful 2025/26 Premier League campaign, despite the bookies listing the Hammers as an outside bet for relegation presently.
"Every day we’re getting closer to where it all matters," he added. "As long as we just focus on the next day and keep improving, I’m really positive we’re going to have a strong season."
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