Graham Potter Looks Ahead to Chelsea Clash Amid Transfer Deadline

West Ham United manager Graham Potter discusses the upcoming Chelsea game, his past experiences at the club, and the challenges of deadline day in the January transfer window.

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has expressed his cautious approach to the January transfer window, emphasizing the importance of signing the right players for the club. In his latest press conference, Potter stated, “The club, the board and the chairman have been fantastic, really supportive, wanting to help. If anything it's me, us trying to find the right players. I want to make the right decisions for the football club.” He acknowledged that signing a player is easy, but finding the right one at the right price, who fits the team's style of play and group dynamics, is the challenging part.

Potter highlighted the complexities of the transfer window, saying, “Signing a player is easy, there are so many agents pushing players. This January window, you could sign a player. But the right one for the right price, that fits how you want to play, that fits in the group, that's the difficult thing. As a club we have to be mindful of that. It's the complication of the window. I've said it a number of times.” This careful approach suggests that West Ham will not rush into any transfers, instead focusing on finding the perfect fit for the team.

When asked about Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who has been linked with several clubs this month, Potter declined to comment, saying, “He doesn't play for West Ham, does he? So, I'm not going to speak about it.” This response indicates that Potter will not engage in speculation about players who are not currently part of the West Ham squad.

Potter also discussed the topic of referees and their consistency this season. He emphasized the importance of supporting referees, saying, “I think it's hard to do anything about what people write on social media. All we can do is support the referees and the job they do, and as often as possible behave in a good manner. They do a difficult job and we need them, so we have to support them.” Potter acknowledged that referees, like managers and players, will make mistakes, but stressed the need to help them improve and make the game better.

Graham Potter was asked about the potential impact of deadline day on the upcoming Chelsea game and if he's looking forward to returning to his old club. Potter replied, “It is what it is. I'm looking forward to the game, and the closing of the window as well. It doesn't impact how we prepare for the game, and we'll do everything we can to get ready.” He also expressed his enthusiasm for the match, saying, “I'm looking forward to it, and I've been there before as a pundit. I've met some Chelsea fans, and they've been supportive. The results weren't ideal, but I could never be critical of them.”

Potter reflected on his time at Chelsea, stating, “I'm thankful of the time I had there, because it's brought me here. We'll go there, and hopefully it's a good game. Of course, we hope we win.” He also acknowledged the challenges of facing his former club, saying, “I had some good times there, and I wish them well, but we'll be looking for the result.”

"We go there with encouragement and enthusiasm" 👊

Potter's pre-Chelsea thoughts ⚒️ #TalkingPoint with @LycamobileUK 📞 pic.twitter.com/OMMkSBoeUJ

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 30, 2025

Potter was then questioned about his experiences so far at West Ham and the squad's response to his management style. He replied, “It was the end of a three-game week, against Palace, who were a team in form. We weren't at the level, but you almost have to zoom out of that and look at things wider, and the group have been great.” Potter praised the team's attitude, saying, “They want to do better than they've been doing, and we have to help them do that. Their response has been good, and they bounced back well against Aston Villa. We have to take a step forward again against Chelsea now.”

Potter discussed his approach to managing the team, stating, “I spoke about the team being a foundation, and how we attack and defend. There are good players here, and ambition, and it's about going in the right direction collectively.” He emphasized the importance of gradual progress, saying, “We have to step-by-step get there, and there's a lot that goes into that. The steps have been positive to me, so far.”