**West Ham** seem to have become a team who can’t defend and won’t attack—and make no mistake about it, we’re getting worse.
Under [Julen Lopetegui](https://www.claretandhugh.info/julen-lopetegui/) the Hammers were a mess at the back, but at least we could attack. One game against Bournemouth even broke a Premier League record for chances created.
Ultimately, Lopetegui was a poor appointment and had to be replaced. While Graham Potter didn’t excite, he did at least fix the defensive issues.
But this version of West Ham is even worse than last season. Yes, the manager needs more players and the board are culpable for hiring substandard coaches and failing in the transfer window. But make no mistake: a couple of new midfielders will only help so much when the defence is abysmal.
To make matters worse, the players Potter does have appear to be regressing. Jarrod Bowen is a shadow of his former self, and even Mr Consistent, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, now looks a liability.
West Ham are a club on the decline, and everyone—except [David Sullivan](https://www.claretandhugh.info/david-sullivan-bio/) and Karren Brady—seems aware of it. There is no leadership from either Potter or his squad. Niclas Fullkrug appears to be the only player with any grit or leadership whilst the manager continues to broadcast his gentle, quiet and touchy feely leadership style. In short, the Hammers are desperate for real authority and direction.
Unless there’s a miracle, Graham Potter can’t and won’t last as West Ham manager. His pre-match press conferences are full of riddles, spoken by a man with a persecution complex. He’ll need to be replaced quickly.
The real tragedy? The appointments of Potter and Lopetegui have already set the club back—and the same people who made those calls will be choosing the next boss too.