**Max Kilman**will return to familiar territory to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the second round of the Carabao Cup. It has not all been simple after a "tough decision" that saw him leave for a club that continue to face scrutiny, but the West Ham defender will want to prove it was the right move.
‘I’m so happy I’ve made the decision’
In 2018, Kilman had his chance to go into the **Premier League**with Wolves. Having spent six years in the Black Country, the defender declared his respect for the club as a part of his development.
*“I’m looking forward to going back to Molineux. Wolves were a big part of my career and played a big part in my success, so it’s definitely going to be strange, and it’s going to be a tough game.”*
He does not regret the fact that he decided to relocate back to the capital city where he grew up.
“It's been just over a year now since I arrived at the club, and although it was a tough decision, I'm so happy I have made the decision. I have still got a lot of time here to make sure I get better and keep improving as a player and as a team. I feel as if I’ve really grown as a player on and off the pitch.”
Having been part of the group with **Wolves**that beat **Man United**and went to Wembley Stadium in 2019, the defender is dreaming of a return to the iconic ground and another competitive cup run.
*“I experienced getting to the semi-finals when I first came to Wolves, and we got to the quarter-finals in 2022/23, so now I'm hoping that with West Ham we can get as far as we can, hopefully to the end.”*
His head is screwed on for the here and now, as he focuses on trying to get a victory for the Hammers.
“It’s going to be a great game and will be a difficult atmosphere to play against, but now my job is to ensure the best for West Ham United. We're going to win the game, to get through to the next round. Hopefully after we win and progress to the next round, I’ll be able to catch up with familiar faces.”
Kilman conveyed how a deep run in the domestic cups can contribute to better results week to week.
“I think it's important to make sure you do well in cup competitions. It’s an opportunity to perform, to build up the momentum and to win games, and it can help push us on in our Premier League form.”
No one will need to explain to Kilman how the club continue to be under pressure from the fanbase.
‘He has done an incredible job’
The board elected to part ways with David Moyes last summer, a year after he brought the team to triumph in the Conference League final over Fiorentina. The decision has aged badly with Julen Lopetegui leaving the hot seat in January, and things have not fared better with Graham Potter.
The Englishman ended the last campaign in 14th position. In the last fortnight, he has watched his men lose 3-0 to promoted **Sunderland**and 5-1 to title-chasing Chelsea. The walls are closing in on the boss, but Kilman communicated how he has helped him to improve as a player during this year.
“The manager helps us all every day. I think he has done an incredible job. He’s been brilliant with me from the first day he arrived, and the main thing I think I've improved a lot is leadership off the pitch. I think he and his staff have really helped me push that as a player. We have daily meetings to go through different things to improve everyone. I think those things, for me are really important.”
Kilman played futsal for **England**until the age of 21, but he is now a seasoned professional in the English top tier, appearing 167 times in the Premier League. He understands he has a duty to take what he can from his experiences to help others try to do their best in a demanding division.
“I’m at the age now where I've probably played more games in the Premier League than some of the other players in the squad. I think it's normal for someone to have a bit more leadership and step up.”
The club has cut ties with Michail Antonio, Lukas Fabianski, and Aaron Cresswell this summer. The three men had over 25 years of cumulative experience in East London and will be a massive miss. Now more than ever, the defender can put himself at the forefront as one of the leaders in the camp.
“We lost a lot of the big characters, a lot of experienced players in the summer, so it was time for the players that are here to take that step up, and I think I'm one of them where I needed to step up with the leadership, and this is something we all need to improve and keep getting better at.”